The Los Angeles Lakers have officially moved on from LeBron James, and Stephen A. Smith is not holding back his doubts about the team's new direction. In a fiery rant that has already gone viral, the outspoken ESPN personality questioned the franchise's decision to build around what he calls “three white dudes.”
James announced his departure from the Lakers earlier this week, leaving the franchise to pivot toward a younger core. The Lakers have since committed to a trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and newly acquired big man Walker Kessler. Doncic, a Slovenian-born superstar, is joined by Reaves and Kessler, both American white players. Smith didn't mince words when he reacted to the new-look roster.
“Where the (expletive) the Los Angeles Lakers think they’re going with a bunch of white dudes?” Smith asked on his podcast. “Your top three players are white dudes? Really? This ain’t golf. This ain’t baseball. (Expletive), it ain’t even soccer. It’s basketball. In NBA history, when have you seen your three most prominent players on a basketball team all be white and that takes you to the promised land?”
Smith's comments have sparked debate across the sports world, with many pointing out that Doncic is an elite talent who has already led a team to the NBA Finals. Reaves, meanwhile, has emerged as a reliable scoring guard, and Kessler is a defensive anchor. But for Smith, the optics are troubling. “Somebody got to say it so I’m saying it. This is basketball. I’m not complaining. I’m simply making the point: the Los Angeles Lakers, you ain’t going anywhere, being led by three white dudes in today’s generation of basketball.”
The Lakers' front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, has been aggressive since James' exit. They inked Reaves to a massive $185 million contract extension earlier this month and traded for Kessler, a move that cost them significant assets. The team also bet $130 million on Kessler to be their long-term center. Doncic, who was acquired last season, remains the centerpiece of the franchise.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss released a statement thanking James for his eight years with the team, including the 2020 NBA championship in the bubble. “LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers — including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” Buss said. “We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
Not everyone is buying the Lakers' new direction. Smith's skepticism echoes that of other critics who question whether a team led by Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler can compete with the league's elite. However, Doncic's talent is undeniable, and Reaves has proven he can step up in big moments. Kessler, a rim-protecting center, fills a glaring need for the Lakers.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the Lakers will have to prove Smith wrong. The pressure is on Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick to build a system that maximizes the strengths of their new core. For now, the debate rages on: can three white players lead a team to an NBA championship in 2026? Smith's answer is a resounding no.
