“That’s quite embarrassing,” Stephen A. Smith on the Lakers possibly missing out on the playoffs for the 2nd year running

Stephen A. Smith says it would be a stain on LeBron James' legacy if he misses the playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

“That’s quite embarrassing,” Stephen A. Smith on the Lakers possibly missing out on the playoffs for the 2nd year running

Stephen A. Smith

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough position this season as the 13th seed of the Western Conference with just 23 games to go. Stephen A. Smith was asked what it would mean for LeBron James to miss the playoffs again. He said, “I think it would be a stain to some degree,” as he brings up the fact that LeBron is not only a historical great but a present legend too. “He’s in his 20th season averaging 30,” said Stephen A while elaborating on The King’s greatness.

However, Smith feels there are no excuses for the Lakers missing the playoffs this season. “You’re LeBron James, and you’re Anthony Davis, and you’re healthy enough to be on the court. You don’t make the playoffs? That’s quite embarrassing“, said Stephen A on First Take. The Lakers signed D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley this trade season too.

“Nobody’s expecting a championship, but there’s no way in hell you’re the Los Angeles Lakers and you should stay a 13th seed,” said Stephen A. Smith. The veteran NBA Analyst feels the Lakers should always be a top-six seed in the NBA as that is their reputation. “There’s only a 3-and-a-half game difference between where you are and that 6th seed,” continued Stephen A. The Lakers will have to work hard to get that 6th seed but if they can even force their way into the play-ins, it would be a salvaged season.

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LeBron James emphasizes the impact of missing the playoffs

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LeBron James

The 19x All-Star was concerned about missing the playoffs for the 2nd time running. “It’s the 23 of the most important games of my career for a regular reason,” said King James in his interview after the All-Star game. LeBron might be missing the playoffs back-to-back times for the first time in his 20-year career. LeBron has been to 8 consecutive NBA finals so he knows what it takes to make it to the playoffs and beyond.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made the playoffs just twice in the last 9 seasons. A horrendous stretch for a team so historic. The Lakers however did win a championship as recently as 2020 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The core of this team knows what it is like to win. It just feels like they are unable to get the right pieces around them. The Lakers’ roster is completely different since their 2020 title-winning one and that has played a major impact on their record.

The Los Angeles Lakers do have some hope with their new acquisitions. D’Angelo Russell has proven to be a reliable player in his appearances for the Lakers so far. LeBron seems to be locked in however, AD is fit but in a bad run of form. Lakers fans would hope this all-star break will allow the team to mentally reset and make a strong push for the playoffs. If the Lakers do manage to make the playoffs there might not be any player in the league to carry an average team in the playoffs than LeBron James.

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