LeBron James and Stephen Curry joined forces during the 2024 Paris Olympics and proved their potential as a dynamic duo by leading Team USA to a gold medal. Their remarkable performance sparked the imagination of NBA fans, who have since been longing to see these two legends play together on the same NBA team. Even many trade speculation has arisen around the two legends.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the idea of these two basketball legends joining forces in the league. On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, renowned sports analyst Stephen A. Smith made it clear that he’s not on board with the idea.
Smith pointed to James’ history with the Los Angeles Lakers as the primary reason for his stance. He criticized James for the roster decisions that have impacted the team’s performance in recent years.
“I don’t want to see it because LeBron James does not deserve it. LeBron James does not deserve to be with Steph Curry,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith addresses LeBron James to Golden State Warriors rumors: "Stay yo ass right there in LA" pic.twitter.com/LYGuKkVupc
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“Here’s why: Stay, yo, right there in LA. You had a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, you had a Kyle Kuzma, you had a Montrezl Harrell, you had an Alex Caruso, and what did you do? You let all those cats go away cause you wanted your boy Russell Westbrook. He did not look good with the Lakers, and you [LeBron James] wanted that,” he added.
Stephen A. Smith Claims LeBron James’ Decision-Making Hurts Lakers Potential
Stephen A. Smith later argued that LeBron James’ influence over team decisions has been more harmful than helpful for the Lakers. While James is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, Smith believes his insistence on certain roster moves has derailed the Lakers’ potential.
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“A lot of times we get caught up in the greatness of LeBron as an individual player, that we don’t pay enough attention to the power of his influence and the moves that he compels the team to make,” Smith said.
Under James’ leadership, the Lakers are now 13-11 this season. The Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak with their latest 107-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
