Stephen A. Smith Questions LeBron’s Championship Prospects with Lakers

LeBron James: Still Got Game or Time to Hang ‘Em Up?

LeBron’s Legacy: Can He Do It Again?

So, picture this: Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are going at it on ESPN’s “First Take,” debating if LeBron James still has what it takes to snag another ring with the Lakers. The Lakers just edged out the Kings 131-127, with LeBron and Anthony Davis both dropping 30+ points, making them the highest-scoring duo in Lakers history. Not too shabby, right? But Stephen A. isn’t convinced. He’s like, “Shannon, how many games did you even catch last year? The Lakers weren’t doing squat!”

Meanwhile, Sharpe’s all-in on LeBron, calling him the GOAT and insisting he’s still got the juice to lead the Lakers to the Finals. “He was the best player at the Olympics,” Sharpe argues. “Even in his 22nd season, about to hit 40, he’s playing at an insane level. You really think he can’t take the team to a championship?”

The Age-Defying King

LeBron’s been shattering records left and right, joining MJ as the only players to score 40+ points multiple times after turning 39. Last season, he averaged 25 points, seven boards, and eight dimes at 39—no one’s done that after their 10th season. Seriously, who does that? I think we might be witnessing something truly special here.

But here’s the kicker: despite all these crazy stats, the Lakers haven’t been back to the Finals since they beat the Heat in 2020. They made it to the Western Conference finals in 2023 but got swept by Jokic’s Nuggets, who went on to win it all. And in 2024, Denver knocked them out again in the first round. Ouch.

New Season, New Hope?

Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, and the Lakers are off to a blazing start, winning their first three games under new head coach JJ Redick. It’s their best start in over a decade—since Phil Jackson was calling the shots back in 2010-11. Could this be the spark they need? Or is it just another false dawn?

At the end of the day, basketball’s a team sport. LeBron might be a legend, but he can’t do it alone. So, what do you think? Is this the year the Lakers finally make a deep playoff run, or are we just dreaming?