Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron James ‘stat-padding’ at cost of Lakers progress
Stephen A. Smith calls out Los Angeles Lakers for not providing enough support to 39-year-old LeBron James.
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Stephen A. Smith feels LeBron James will continue 'stat padding' unless Los Angeles Lakers provide help
The Los Angeles Lakers lost against the Oklahoma City Thunder to mark their fourth loss from five games. But the previous win saw LeBron James post his 6th triple double of the season. For ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, it was the previous losses that were concerning.
Those last two blowout losses in particular showed that the Lakers were still struggling to score efficiently while also struggling on defense. In the latter two, the Lakers struggled to keep their momentum once the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns picked up their pace.
In the win against the San Antonio Spurs, James posted 16 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists to lead his team. When First Take host Molly Qerim asked Smith what he thought about James’ tripe doubles this season, the analyst replied.
It’s nice to see. LeBron James is approaching 40, and the man is sensational, we know this. My problem is that I’m not seeing a good Lakers basketball team. Which means that we are reduced to LeBron stat padding. Because the rest of the team won’t show up and play.
Stephen A. Smith on First Take
Stephen A. Smith was particularly annoyed by the fact that the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers could not help to stop those three losses. It has turned into such a problem that LeBron James, who will turn 40 next month has to handle the bulk of the production.
Stephen A Smith Exposes Lebron saying hes just out there stat padding
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) November 29, 2024
Anybody that actually watches the games can clearly see hes out there stat padding while AD,Reaves, and Dalton Knecht carry him pic.twitter.com/pARrN7r61C
The analyst mentioned that unless the rest of the team steps up, basketball fans will be accustomed to seeing more such triple-doubles from the four-time NBA champion. Along with his criticism of the offense, he also called out the Lakers transition and fast-break defense.
LeBron James needs help if Lakers are to win
The 57-year-old analyst picked out the concern that has plagued the Los Angeles Lakers since the start of last season. Often, their leading superstar was taking on the bulk of their offensive load. But head coach JJ Redick has to figure out how to bring the best out of the rest.
Rookie Dalton Knecht is playing well, but the holdovers from last season are not playing near as good. In that losing stretch, the Lakers were shooting terribly from the three-point line. The same continued in their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier.
If anything, the ‘sicko’ coaching staff has to do better before the situation goes out of control. As of now, the Los Angeles Lakers are not good enough to beat fellow playoff contenders. If they want to make a deep run into the playoffs, that has to change.
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Joseph Varghese
(2268 Articles Published)