Alright. I think it’s fair to say that we all think the Lakers are in a pretty dire situation right now.
They just had one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. On top of that, they’re capped out with three star players on their team all making at least $35 million or more and, clearly, they are not a playoff team. Some drastic changes need to be made to that roster but there aren’t too many vehicles to make them.
They don’t have a ton of salary to ship out with the exception of moving one of their stars and, obviously, Russell Westbrook is the guy they’re looking to move at this point but that’s so hard to do after his disappointing season this year.
So, obviously, it’s going to take some gymnastics to get anything done here. Solutions are hard to come by. But Stephen A. Smith presented a good — yet, pretty ridiculous — one on First Take.
Trade LeBron James.
That’s right. Stephen A. thinks the Lakers should just trade LeBron James, who is very obviously their best player and still an All-NBA level talent.
That’s the guy you move here, according to Smith. Mostly because he is just that good. You could at least get something of value for him.
Take a listen.
I think the Los Angeles Lakers should strongly consider trading @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/GfyiArSIyI
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 4, 2022
“I want to announce to the American public that I think the Los Angeles Lakers should strongly consider trading LeBron James.”
Before we continue, here’s JJ Redick’s face in that moment.
That dude is probably fed up with his colleagues today. Can my guy get a coffee break or something, y’all? Sheesh.
Anyway, Smith explained himself.
“This is not throwing a spec of shade on LeBron James. It’s a testament to his greatness. The Los Angeles Lakers as currently constructed are going nowhere…He’s the only person that has extreme value that you’ll never get equitable compensation for his greatness but it’s the only chance you’ll have to be immediately respectable if you’re the Los Angeles Lakers.”
First of all, why did Stephen A. have to announce this like he was about to run for public office or something? Like, y’all. That was wild. He needed the American public as a whole to know this. And I would like to know why.
But second, he kind of has a point? LeBron would get the Lakers the most bang for their buck hypothetically speaking.
But, man. It’s LeBron James. You can’t trade that dude. You just can’t.
As ridiculous as this is, though, everyone can kind of see where he’s going with this. It’s not wrong. It’s just wild.
