Whoever thinks the Los Angeles Lakers are going to the Western Conference Finals can join Shannon Sharpe’s bandwagon. Because, if left out in the limbo, Stephen A. Smith will get you.
Two of the most renowned NBA presenters recently sat for a discussion, and it was nothing but chaotic. During a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA segment First Take, Sharpe started with a bold claim regarding the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Let us get OKC in the Western Conference Finals. I guarantee it! … If the Lakers get the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference, we are going to the NBA Finals!” Sharpe boldly claimed.
However, the analogy did not end in a good way. Stephen A. Smith almost immediately ripped his guarantee that LA will make the NBA Finals if they face OKC in the Western Conference Finals.
“Shannon needs to be drug tested,” Smith hilariously suggested.
Shannon Sharpe: "Let us get OKC in the Western Conference Finals. I guarantee it! … If the Lakers get the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference, we are going to the NBA Finals!"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2025
Stephen A. Smith: "Shannon need to be drug tested." 😂pic.twitter.com/PXFNy1Rb8y
However, the controversial takes came in handy following Luka Doncic’s debut with the Lakers. As Los Angeles secures a convincing 132-113 victory against the Jazz, Sharpe is ready to anoint the Lakers as one of the best teams in the West. This bold proclamation, however, has left his fellow analyst Stephen A. utterly astounded, leading him to call for Sharpe to undergo a drug test.
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Despite the Lakers’ recent acquisition of Doncic in a high-profile trade involving Anthony Davis, many still remain skeptical about the team’s immediate potential.
Also Read: “Don’t Fit In, Fit The F*** Out” – LeBron James’ Bold Advice To Luka Doncic Before Lakers Debut
Stephen A. Smith Gets Schooled By Brian Windhorst For Lakers Suggestion
After he was done blasting Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith went after Brian Windhorst with his Lakers analogy. The multi-sport analyst suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should consider signing Dwight Howard. Though as baffling as it sounds, it only lasted in Brian Windhorst lambasting his take.
“Demarcus Cousins is playing in Mongolia, why don’t you call him? Dwight Howard’s going into the Hall of Fame because he’s retired for so long. Are you being serious?” Windhorst quipped.
Brian Windhorst couldn't believe that Stephen A. Smith suggested the Lakers could sign Dwight Howard.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 11, 2025
"Demarcus Cousins is playing in Mongolia, why don't you call him?… Dwight Howard's going into the Hall of Fame because he's retired for so long… are you being serious?" pic.twitter.com/vH1RGu8Zfp
This recommendation came amid discussions about the Lakers’ need for a reliable big man. The situation has become more pressing given the limitations they face after the trade deadline. It left them with few viable options to bolster their frontcourt. Smith’s suggestion, posited with sincerity, seemed to overlook Howard’s long absence from the NBA and the reality of his current performance level. And that did not sit with Windhorst’s mind.
He humorously critiqued the idea by pointing out the exhaustive state of the center market. Brian joked, inquiring why the Lakers wouldn’t reach out to DeMarcus Cousins, who is currently playing in Mongolia.
Also Read: Lakers Set Social Media Ablaze By Giving Away Luka Doncic T-Shirts For His Franchise Debut
