Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Lakers’ All-White Star Trio, Doubts Championship Chances

The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing a major transition after LeBron James decided to continue his career with another team. As the franchise rebuilds, popular commentator Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized the Lakers’ new core trio, pointing out that all three star players, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, are white. Smith made these remarks following the Lakers’ decision to extend Reaves’ contract with a maximum deal and acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in exchange for draft picks.

On his show, The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith questioned the team’s direction under general manager Rob Pelinka, accusing him of turning the Lakers into a "white boys’ club." Smith argued that basketball is different from other sports like golf or baseball and expressed skepticism about an all-white leading trio winning an NBA championship, citing the rarity of such a scenario since the 1958 St. Louis Hawks, whose three stars were all white.

Smith clarified that he respects each player individually but doubts their collective ability to compete in today’s NBA, especially in the tough Western Conference. He stated, "The Lakers aren’t going anywhere with three white guys leading them in today’s basketball." His comments sparked controversy, with many questioning how such remarks would be received if reversed. Meanwhile, some analysts also doubt the current Lakers roster’s championship prospects amid the ongoing rebuild.