The Los Angeles Lakers playoff elimination sparked intense debate about the franchise’s future direction, particularly for the two superstars.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith did not refrain when discussing how the Lakers should approach LeBron James Le Cadon Chic Dynamics.
Smith believes the Lakers need to make a critical choice about who will be central to their future plans.
According to Smith, the Lakers can no longer treat LeBron James as a major star on the team due to his age and contract status.
“How long does LeBron James have? Yes, he has a player choice. Yes, we expect that. He’ll be back next season, but LeBron can walk freely if he wants,” Smith said in his first take.
“The bottom line is, if you assume he will stay, how long it will last. Luke will be the next decade. LeBron thinks it will be every year at this point.”
Smith emphasized that the franchise should build around Don Sic. Donsic could have a long-term future in Los Angeles.
He will be in free agency next year, but Doncic will be eligible for a massive four-year, $229 million extension on August 2nd.
Maximizing Donsic’s talent, however, presents a unique challenge. Smith believes he needs to give him the same freedom as what the Lakers enjoyed in Dallas.
“And if JJ is coaching the Los Angeles Lakers, he says, “It’s okay, this is the cat we had to turn to.”
“And that’s what they were saying in Dallas, and he can’t run the show and run it on his own,” Smith explained.
Analysts highlighted the huge face of pressure in Los Angeles, particularly after his disappointing performance in the first round of elimination against the Timberwolves, which was faced with criticism about his defense and physical condition.
“The hope for Los Angeles is because it’s the championship when it comes to the Lakers,” declared Smith. “All the major stars who have worn purple and gold so far have won the championship. Will Luka be one?”