Stephen A. Smith has once again stirred the debate over who is the Lakers’ greatest player, rekindling the conversation between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. This week, Smith argued that although Kobe’s five championships solidify his legacy, LeBron’s consistent performance during both prosperous and challenging periods gives him an advantage in the Lakers GOAT debate.

Smith acknowledged Bryant’s immense talent but emphasized how LeBron’s teams have rarely hit severe lows, unlike the Lakers during Kobe’s final years. This contrast forms the core of Smith’s assertion that LeBron’s impact is more reliable and sustained.

Understanding the Distinct Strengths of Kobe and LeBron

Smith praised Kobe Bryant for his killer instinct and elite defense in his prime, noting,

“We look at Kobe, he’s a five-time champion. A lot of people put him ahead of LeBron because of that. I think Kobe was a killer, God rest his soul. The brother would give it to you. And it’s not to say he didn’t play defense, because in his prime, he was an elite defender.”

Despite this praise, Smith pointed out the supporting cast around Kobe, including Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, was influential in securing those championships.

Conversely, Smith highlighted LeBron’s ability to elevate every team he joins, stating,

“When you look at LeBron, he took that team to the Finals, even though they got swept by San Antonio, but you saw what he did. Everywhere he’s been, teams have elevated. You can’t take that away from him.”

He emphasized LeBron’s versatility and physical prowess as assets that create mismatches and contribute to his all-around game.

Describing LeBron’s physicality, Smith said,

“He’s 6’9, 260 pounds, he can play inside and out, he’s lethal in the open court, he can step up defensively. He brings so many things to his arsenal, and he creates mismatches better than most.”

The Contrast in Career Longevity and Team Performance

Smith’s argument extends beyond championships to the consistency of team success throughout each player’s career. He noted that during Kobe’s final seasons, the Lakers experienced some of their worst records, including a 17–65 campaign in 2015–16. Smith asked rhetorically,

“As bad as the Lakers were in Kobe’s final few years, would that ever have happened with LeBron? The answer is no. With LeBron James, no team would have been as bad as those Lakers were.”

LeBron James, in contrast, has had only three losing seasons in his 22-year career, with his lowest win total being 33 in the 2021–22 season. Smith stressed how even as a rookie and young player in Cleveland, LeBron lifted his teams to respectability and eventually carried an undermanned Cavaliers squad to the NBA Finals in 2007.

This statistical comparison underlines Smith’s point: LeBron avoids the kind of drastic declines seen during Kobe’s career. Kobe endured five losing seasons, including some of the Lakers’ poorest performances historically, whereas LeBron’s teams have consistently remained competitive.

Injuries and Context Behind Kobe’s Late-Career Struggles

Smith did address the context surrounding Kobe’s late-career difficulties, particularly his 2013 Achilles injury and the Lakers’ focus on honoring his farewell rather than competing for titles. Despite these factors, the difference in team quality between Kobe’s and LeBron’s low points remains stark.

LeBron continues to perform at a high level even in his 22nd season, recently guiding a team featuring Luka Doncic to 50 wins. Critics argue that roster support and management have favored LeBron in his later years, which influenced the comparative records. Nonetheless, Smith’s central claim is that LeBron’s presence maintains a foundational level of competitiveness that Kobe’s teams at times lacked.

Why Smith Places LeBron Above Kobe in the Lakers GOAT Conversation

Smith’s stance challenges the common argument that Kobe’s five rings automatically secure his GOAT status in Los Angeles. For Smith, LeBron’s sustained excellence, adaptability, and capacity to keep teams competitive throughout his career trump Kobe’s peaks and valleys. He underscored the fact that while Bryant’s killer mentality and championship success are undeniable, the lows Kobe endured during his career weaken his overall case.

LeBron’s career, punctuated by four championships and ten Finals appearances, paired with his ability to influence team success no matter the roster, shapes Smith’s conclusion. The ongoing debate remains deeply rooted in Los Angeles basketball culture, and Smith’s comments reignite it with a renewed perspective.

Smith’s Views on Personal Dynamics with LeBron Add Complexity

Separately, Smith has openly acknowledged tensions in his relationship with LeBron James, adding a complicated layer to their public exchanges. This dynamic colors some commentary but does not diminish the analytical points he raises about their individual legacies. The intersection of personal feelings and professional respect continues to influence discussions surrounding the Lakers GOAT debate.