Stephen A Smith Doubles Down Lakers Are “Too White” For Title Contention

Pundit Stephen A. Smith reiterated his claim that the Los Angeles Lakers cannot win an NBA title because their top three stars are white. Speaking on his podcast, Smith argued that no NBA champion across modern decades has been led by three white players. Despite strong starts from Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, Smith projected that the Lakers will be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

Writer Joey Haverford reports that critics have labeled Smith's race-based analysis disgraceful. The article notes that while the Lakers have shown roster depth with players like Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams, they face tough competition in the Western Conference from Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.