LeBron James is widely accepted as one of the best players in the world. He has had a great individual season thus far this year, averaging 24.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 7.0 APG. However, he has been out with an abdominal injury for the past few games, and the Los Angeles Lakers have been treading water in his absence, currently 8-7 and 7th in the Western Conference.
Stephen A. Smith has recently claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers will not be making the Finals this year, picking the Golden State Warriors to come out of the Western Conference. He also boldly stated that “LeBron has won his last title”, and that he doesn’t see the Los Angeles Lakers as a championship team.
"I think LeBron has won his last title. I think it's over."
😳 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/7KGkERlMBM
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 16, 2021
I’m gonna be in the Bay area for the Finals this year. Warriors going to the Finals. Let me say something else. I think LeBron has won his last title. I think it’s over. It’s not LeBron’s fault. LeBron’s gonna be LeBron, he’s gonna come back and do what hes going to do. Russell Westbrook is a member of the Lakers… and I’m telling you they ain’t winning no chip.
I think the Lakers are big time. I think the Lakers can beat anyone but the Warriors. I think the Warriors are going to take them out.
There is no doubt that LeBron James is still playing at a high level and that the Lakers will likely perform better with him back in the fold. However, Smith’s assertion is that the Los Angeles Lakers are a good team, but will be unable to beat the Golden State Warriors. Smith has previously picked the Golden State Warriors to win the 2021-22 championship.
It remains to be seen if Stephen A. Smith’s prediction will become true. The Lakers could end up losing to the Warriors in the future, but as of now, it would be unwise to count LeBron James out, as it is only the start of the season. The Lakers are still a good team, and if they figure out their chemistry and how to be consistent, they will be one of the top contenders for the title.
