The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a significant rebuild in the offseason as they prepare for their first full season with Luka Doncic. Despite these changes, Stephen A. Smith has expressed serious doubts about their ability to win a championship, arguing that the team might not compete effectively against top-tier Western Conference opponents.
On the Gil‘s Arena podcast, Smith acknowledged the Lakers’ potential but remained skeptical about their championship viability. He highlighted the formidable competition from teams like Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Houston, emphasizing that Los Angeles lacks the personnel to overcome these squads.
“I think that the Lakers are title contenders. I do not think by any stretch they’re favorites,” Smith said (57:42 onwards). “Having said that, I don’t think they have the personnel to upend Oklahoma City, a healthy Dallas squad, or Kevin Durant in Houston now … I can’t see the Lakers beating those teams.”
Smith also questioned Luka Doncic’s defensive impact, despite the star guard’s notable improvements in conditioning over the offseason. He expressed concern about whether Doncic could sustain his physical fitness throughout the rigorous <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season and effectively contribute defensively.
“What I love about him being in shape is that okay, so can we ask you to play some defense now? I mean, people were blowing by you. I mean, hell, it looked like I could blow by you. I mean, damn. What would you going to play some defense? I mean, cuz you got to do that,” Smith expressed (59:33 onwards).
Even with these reservations, the Lakers remain among the favorites for the upcoming season. They have bolstered their roster by acquiring players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, while LeBron James continues to play a pivotal role on the team. The organization appears intent on maximizing Luka Doncic’s talents to pursue the franchise’s elusive championship goal.
Stephen A. Smith Questions Luka Doncic’s Ability to Maintain Fitness Throughout the Season
Luka Doncic has made a concerted effort to transform his physique during the offseason, addressing past criticisms regarding his fitness. While many observers have praised his progress, Stephen A. Smith remains cautious about Doncic’s ability to stay consistently in shape throughout the demanding NBA schedule.
“There’s a difference between getting in shape in the offseason and staying in shape during the season,” Smith said.
Doncic’s health and conditioning were concerns last season and reportedly influenced the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade him. Now with the Lakers, and having signed an extension, Doncic has demonstrated a clear commitment to competing for his first NBA championship. Still, Smith’s doubts highlight the pressure on the Slovenian star to deliver sustained defensive effort and maintain his physical peak over the long haul.
As the NBA season approaches, the Lakers’ restructured lineup featuring Doncic, Ayton, Smart, and LeBron James will test whether they can overcome the league’s strongest teams and silence skeptics like Stephen A. Smith who question their title prospects.