“Stay yo a** right there!” Stephen A. Smith SHUTS DOWN LeBron James move to join Stephen Curry
Stephen A. Smith blasted LeBron James on First Take after recent reports of the Lakers star possibly teaming up with Stephen Curry.
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Stephen A. Smith blasted LeBron James about idea of teaming up with Stephen Curry
The NBA world was abuzz this week after ESPN’s Michael Wilbon speculated about a potential trade that could send LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors. The hypothetical blockbuster deal would unite James with Stephen Curry, forming an unprecedented superstar duo. While analysts on First Take debated the merits of such a move, Stephen A. Smith emphatically dismissed the idea.
Smith’s blunt remarks were a continuation of his stance that LeBron James, despite his illustrious career, should not “escape” the challenges he faces in Los Angeles by joining a formidable Warriors team. He criticized James for the decisions he influenced during his Lakers tenure, suggesting these moves contributed to the team’s current struggles.
I don’t want to see it because LeBron James does not deserve it. Absolutely not. LeBron James does not deserve to be with Steph Curry… Stay yo a** right there in L.A. You won a championship in the bubble… What do you do? You let all those cats go away because you wanted your boy Russell Westbrook.
Stephen A. Smith bluntly stated on First Take
"I don't want to see it because LeBron James does not deserve it. LeBron James does not deserve to be with Steph Curry. Here's why: Stay yo a*s right there in LA [with the Lakers]!"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 10, 2024
Stephen A. Smith doesn't want to see James on the Warriors ?️pic.twitter.com/2XsE2h6g4j
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his critique of James’ influence on the Lakers’ roster moves, attributing much of the franchise’s instability to decisions James advocated for, such as their 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook. Smith argued that these choices compromised the Lakers’ future flexibility, leaving the team grappling with mediocrity.
Additionally, James’ aspiration to play alongside his son, Bronny James, has influenced decisions both on and off the court. The Lakers drafted Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a move that analysts like Smith heavily critiqued for the Lakers’ long-term goals.
LeBron James attached to trade rumors with Stephen Curry
The possibility of LeBron James joining Stephen Curry has obviously ignited speculation across the league. While the Lakers remain adamant about keeping James, trade rumors persist, fueled by the team’s inconsistent performance. At 13-11, the Lakers occupy the eighth seed in the Western Conference, far from the championship aspirations James envisioned coming into the season.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently revealed that the Warriors explored a potential trade for James last season, only for the idea to be dismissed by James himself. But perhaps there may be a chance to run back that idea?
I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been some conversations in the league [about], ‘Would LeBron at some point this year revisit that?’ Because you remember last year at the trade deadline, the Warriors called.
Brian Windhorst stated on the Hoop Collective podcast
Unfortunately, a trade between the Lakers and Warriors to deal with either superstar might not be that easy. Several factors make a trade to the Warriors improbable. For one, LeBron James holds a no-trade clause, giving him ultimate control over his future. Financial constraints also play a significant role; both the Lakers and Warriors operate under luxury tax pressures, complicating any blockbuster deal.
Moreover, James’ commitment to the Lakers appears unwavering. Last summer, he could have explored free agency but instead chose to re-sign with the Lakers, reaffirming his intent to finish his career in Los Angeles. This decision aligns with his goal of sharing the court with Bronny, a dream he has publicly championed.
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Armaan Gupta
(324 Articles Published)