The Denver Nuggets managed to preserve the festive mood at Ball Arena, after the franchise’s first-ever Ring ceremony, by breezing past the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday. However, the mood in the studio of ESPN’s First Take was far from ‘festive’, as Stephen A. Smith tore apart Anthony Davis‘ underwhelming performance in the second half. The veteran TV host declared that Davis’ “trash” 0-point performance in the last two quarters of the season opener was an indicator that the Lakers aren’t going to win the Championship this year.
Advertisement
Davis ended up with 17 points, four assists, and eight rebounds at the end of the contest. However, his glaring 0-for-6 showing in the second-half was upheld as a scapegoat for the Lakers’ loss by many talking heads. Stephen A. Smith joined the party as well, just five months after ridiculing the 30-year-old star’s concussion injury.
Stephen A. Smith declares that the Lakers are doomed this season after witnessing Davis’ performance
LeBron James lead the Lakers’ scoring with 21 points in the season opener, like he always does. However, many analysts had envisioned Anthony Davis to assume a leadership role within the team to give LeBron some breathing space in his 21st year. Therefore, there has been extra scrutiny on AD this year, especially considering his checkered history with injuries.
Earlier this year, Stephen A. Smith had laughed off Davis’ concussion injury, a take that was criticized by many. However, his recent take on the eight-time All-Star will probably have more people in agreement. “Atrocious…Ladies and Gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain’t going to win no Championship this year…It’s an embarrassment with what happened with him [AD] yesterday,” Smith said.
.@stephenasmith says AD’s performance vs. the Nuggets was “atrocious” 😳
“Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain’t going to win no championship this year.” pic.twitter.com/Tal1NENw1K
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 25, 2023
“Zero points. ZERO! ZERO? I mean Anthony Davis, that’s trash. Zero? Really!” he added. The veteran reporter further called out AD for his remarks in the offseason, which he failed to back up yesterday.
Smith slams Anthony Davis for being outperformed by LeBron
Smith also slammed AD for scoring less points than LeBron James, who is just a few months away from his 39th birthday. The ESPN analyst pointed out that the Lakers were swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals just a few months ago. However, the LA side showed no vigor to avenge their embarrassing loss.
Smith’s rant, although a bit dramatic after only the first game of the season, highlights AD’s unreliability on certain occasions. The veteran forward often fails to show up in crucial games, which may cost the Lakers this season.
