Rob Pelinka might be in deep trouble with the Luka Doncic move. While some see it as a potential Shaq-Kobe 2.0, others are skeptical. LeBron James and Doncic? Sounds like a dream pairing, but is it enough? The Lakers could still be far from their 18th banner. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, a longtime LeBron critic, has some harsh words for the 40-year-old. And his message? It’s a warning for the Lakers.
LeBron James has signed a two-year, $101.3M contract with a player option for 2025-26. He’s due to earn $48.7 million this season and $52.6 million next season. However, can he vacant his spot in the team to give way for a blockbuster contract to bolster the Lakers’ dream of that highly-anticipated title to match the Boston Celtics’ record?
Stephen A. Smith says: ” I will waive my no-trade clause for one of two issues, one of two teams. It will either be to join Steph Curry in Golden State or to go to New York with the Knicks, one of the two.” The ‘I’ here is LeBron James, just to make it clear. SAS strongly remarks: “The Lakers are in need of them [assets] because they’ve only got one pick left, which is like 20-31 for crying out loud. And so I look at it from that standpoint. If I’m LeBron James, I either use that as an option or I go to Golden State and join Steph Curry.”
Stephen A. Smith thinks LeBron James should waive his no-trade clause to join the Warriors or Knicks.
“If he’s settled with being in LA, that’s because of a lifestyle decision. It ain’t because of a basketball decision. ‘Cause the Lakers ain’t winning no championship as… pic.twitter.com/7QLOZ5tkTZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 3, 2025
If Bron truly waives his no-trade clause and joins the Warriors, as there had been rumors before, he’ll play with players like Stephen Curry, “He’s the greatest shooter God ever created,” Smith commended. At the same time, Draymond Green could be on the team to take care of the back-court. “Oh, my Lord, that would be absolutely something special. And if I’m LeBron James, I sit up there and I waive my no-trade clause to try to get to go to state. That would be my number one option personally.”
But unfortunately, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t believe the Lakers have the mettle to win the championship, at least not now in this season. Even with Luka Doncic around, it might be impossible. He said: “Everybody keeps saying that he wants to stay in L.A. He settled. And my response is if he settled with being in L.A., that’s because of a lifestyle decision. It ain’t because of a basketball decision because the Lakers ain’t winning no championship is presently constructed. I can tell you that.”
Well, that’s not good news. If LeBron James has indeed settled in LA, then Charles Barkley’s sharp message for his team won’t be too pleasing either.
(This is a developing story…)
The post Stephen A. Smith Issues Strong Warning to LeBron James as NBA Legend Exposes Rob Pelinka’s Biggest Mistake appeared first on EssentiallySports.
