ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Warns Lakers’ Luka Dončić-Led Roster ’Ain’t Going to Work’ Without 1 Key Player
· Yahoo Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers took a major step toward retaining their core on Wednesday, agreeing to a four-year, $185 million maximum contract with Austin Reaves to keep the star guard paired with Luka Dončić in their backcourt.
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However, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, LA’s offseason endeavors will be irrelevant if it can’t re-sign veteran star forward LeBron James.
Stephen A. Smith Drops Blunt Verdict on Lakers’ Outlook if LeBron James Walks in Free Agency
While Smith may not be the biggest fan of James off the court, it appears he still views the 22-time All-Star as invaluable to LA’s title contention chances.
Reacting to Reaves’ max deal on Wednesday’s edition of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the outspoken pundit didn’t mince words about the Lakers’ desperate need to come to terms with James on a new contract in free agency.
“Let me be very, very clear. Lakers ain’t winning [expletive] … They ain’t winning a [expletive] thing unless they keep LeBron James,” Smith began.
“Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, here’s the tricky part about the Los Angeles Lakers. Austin Reaves deserves this raise. In today’s NBA economy, Austin Reaves getting over $40 million a year, in this case, over $45 million a year, he deserves it. He’s put in the time, he’s put in the work.
“… But understand something, the Los Angeles Lakers don’t have a soul shivering in their boots. Not when the cornerstones of your franchise are Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. That ain’t going to work. I’m telling you that right now, they can score on anybody, we know that, but they can’t stop a cold.”
While James just wrapped up his unprecedented 23rd campaign and should theoretically be in store for a substantial decline, he continues to defy Father Time, delivering star-caliber production throughout the 2025-26 regular season. The four-time MVP then turned back the clock in this year’s playoffs, reverting to a primary scoring and facilitating role with Dončić (hamstring) sidelined to help LA improbably advance to the second round.
“The only way this works is if you find a way to keep LeBron James. Mr. 41 years of age, approaching 42, approaching his 24th season in the NBA, still one of the greatest players in the world. Let’s stop acting like we don’t know. … LeBron James stays ready. Other people use the season to get ready.”
Aside from settling James’ future, the Lakers have multiple roster needs, most notably an imposing interior hub who can protect the rim and thrive off Dončić’s playmaking.
Regardless, if James leaves for nothing in free agency, it could deal a crippling blow to the franchise’s retooling efforts, making it paramount for LA to at least pull off a sign-and-trade if the 41-year-old ultimately seeks greener pastures.