If there’s one thing Stephen A. Smith knows how to do, it’s stir the NBA pot and this week, he did exactly that.
During Tuesday’s episode of First Take, the outspoken ESPN analyst sent shockwaves through the basketball world when he said that LeBron James’ return to the Lakers lineup is “only interesting” because they’ve been winning without him.
“Let me say this clearly,” Stephen A. said, leaning toward the camera. “LeBron is LeBron. No disrespect. But the only reason people care about him coming back right now is because the Lakers have finally figured out how to win without him.”
The comment instantly sparked debate across social media with Lakers fans, LeBron supporters, and even former players chiming in.
Lakers Winning Without LeBron
The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly been on a roll. With Anthony Davis anchoring the defense and D’Angelo Russell finally finding rhythm, the team has gone 6-1 during LeBron’s brief absence due to an ankle injury.
Smith pointed out that this run led by “role players stepping up” is what makes the storyline so “fascinating.”
“When LeBron sits and the Lakers don’t collapse, that’s news,” Stephen A. added. “That’s why people are talking. Because for the first time in years, the Lakers are functioning like a team not a one man show.”
Analyst JJ Redick responded, arguing that LeBron’s leadership and IQ are still irreplaceable, but Stephen A. doubled down:
“I’m not saying the brother isn’t great. I’m saying this ain’t 2016. The Lakers’ success right now is about team balance. That’s why his return is interesting, not important.”
Stephen A. Brings Up the GOAT Debate Again
Of course, it wouldn’t be a First Take episode without a GOAT debate, and Stephen A. didn’t miss his chance to take a shot.
“LeBron’s greatness is undeniable, but I’m not moving off this Michael Jordan is still the GOAT, unquestioned,” he said emphatically. “Jordan never needed his team to find its identity without him. He was the identity.”
That line drew loud reactions from co host Molly Qerim, who simply laughed as the internet lit up with arguments.
The quote quickly went viral, with clips of the segment hitting millions of views on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Fans React: “Stephen A. Always Gotta Say Something Wild”
Social media, as always, didn’t hold back. Within minutes, fans were firing back at Smith’s comments.
One LeBron fan wrote:
“Stephen A. acting like LeBron ain’t carried the Lakers to two Finals appearances. Let that man rest his ankle in peace.”
Another user countered:
“He’s not wrong though. AD and the bench been hoopin’. LeBron might need to adjust when he’s back.”
Even some sports insiders joined the debate. Former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas posted on Threads:
“LeBron’s still the system. The Lakers winning without him is temporary. Wait till playoff time.”
A History of Stephen A. vs. LeBron
This isn’t the first time Stephen A. Smith has taken aim at the four time NBA champion. Over the years, he’s praised LeBron’s work ethic and leadership but also criticized what he calls the “LeBron effect,” where teams over-rely on him instead of developing chemistry.
In 2023, Smith made headlines after saying:
“When LeBron retires, it’ll take the Lakers two seasons to remember how to play basketball.”
Ironically, his comments this week flip that sentiment, suggesting the Lakers may finally be doing just that.
What LeBron Said About His Return
LeBron James, who’s expected to return to action this weekend, appeared unfazed by the noise. Speaking to reporters after practice, he kept things simple:
“Stephen A. gonna say what Stephen A. says,” LeBron said with a smirk. “My job is to hoop. The rest is entertainment.”
He then added that he’s proud of how the team has held things together in his absence, calling it a “good sign” for their playoff push.
“AD’s been special. D-Lo’s hoopin’. Guys are locked in,” LeBron said. “That’s what I want to see because if we’re gonna win another chip, it can’t just be me doing everything.”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the headlines, Smith’s comments touch on a bigger NBA narrative: the Lakers’ transition from a LeBron-dominated system to a more balanced team dynamic.
Since entering the league in 2003, LeBron has been the focal point of every franchise he’s joined. But with his 41st birthday approaching next month, it’s natural that the Lakers are learning to evolve.
Stephen A. summed it up perfectly at the end of the segment:
“LeBron is still great, but what we’re seeing right now this is about the future of the Lakers. It’s about what happens when the King isn’t on the throne every night.”
Whether fans agree or not, there’s no denying that the Lakers’ recent success and the return of LeBron James has reignited one of the NBA’s most entertaining conversations.
Final Thoughts
Love him or hate him, Stephen A. Smith knows how to keep the NBA world talking. His latest comments didn’t just spark another GOAT debate they reignited discussions about legacy, leadership, and what it means for a superstar to age gracefully in the modern NBA.
And while the debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan might never end, one thing’s for sure: as long as Stephen A. has a microphone, basketball fans will never run out of drama.