Rob Pelinka might be in deep trouble with the Luka Doncic move. It was a blockbuster, to say the least, and while some see it as a potential Shaq-Kobe 2.0, others are skeptical. LeBron James and Luka Doncic? Sounds like a dream pairing, but is it enough? The Lakers could still be far from their 18th banner. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, a longtime LeBron critic, has some harsh words for the 40-year-old. And his message? It’s a warning for the Lakers.

LeBron James has signed a two-year, $101.3M contract with a player option for 2025-26. He’s due to earn $48.7 million this season and $52.6 million next season. However, can he vacant his spot in the team to give way for a blockbuster contract to bolster the Lakers’ dream of that highly-anticipated title to match the Boston Celtics’ record?

Stephen A. Smith stirred the pot with his bold remarks about LeBron James’ future, saying: “I will waive my no-trade clause for one of two issues, one of two teams. It will either be to join Steph Curry in Golden State or to go to New York with the Knicks, one of the two.” While the Lakers’ situation remains tense, SAS notes, “The Lakers are in need of them [assets] because they’ve only got one pick left, which is like 20-31 for crying out loud.” So, with limited options, could LeBron really be eyeing a move to Golden State or New York? The stakes couldn’t be higher.

If Bron truly waives his no-trade clause and joins the Warriors, as there had been rumors before, he’ll play with players like Stephen Curry, “He’s the greatest shooter God ever created,” Smith commended. At the same time, Draymond Green could be on the team to take care of the back-court. “Oh, my Lord, that would be absolutely something special. And if I’m LeBron James, I sit up there and I waive my no-trade clause to try to get to go to state. That would be my number one option personally.” 

Stephen A. Smith doesn’t hold back when it comes to the Lakers championship hopes. He claimed:  “Everybody keeps saying that he wants to stay in L.A. He settled. And my response is if he settled with being in L.A., that’s because of a lifestyle decision. It ain’t because of a basketball decision because the Lakers ain’t winning no championship is presently constructed. I can tell you that.” Even with Luka Doncic potentially joining, Smith suggests it might not be enough to shift the Lakers’ fate this season. The warning signs are clear—L.A. may not be as close to the title as they think.

Well, that’s not good news. If LeBron James has indeed settled in LA, then Charles Barkley’s sharp message for his team won’t be too pleasing either. Chuck too doesn’t know how to mince words when it comes to sharing his genuine feelings on matters. And now that the matter is as massive as Luka Doncic’s pairing with Bron in the Lakers, how can he keep calm?

Charles Barkley doubts that LeBron James and Luka Doncic will sail smoothly together

Charles Barkley never holds back on criticizing the Lakers, and with their trade for Luka Doncic, he’s not backing down. While some may see this move as a game-changer, Barkley’s skepticism looms large. He points out the obvious issue—both Doncic and LeBron James thrive with the ball in their hands. While the Lakers’ new duo looks promising, Barkley questions whether their co-existence will be smooth or a disaster.

The 1993 MVP expressed his about LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing together in L.A. “This thing is not going to be smooth in L.A. with (Doncic) and LeBron,” he warned, highlighting their ball-dominant styles and struggles off the ball. “There’s going to be some serious growing pains when those two try to play together.” While the pairing could be tantalizing, Barkley sees a rough road ahead.

Barkley’s reasoning is clear: LeBron has always orchestrated the offense. But, Luka has been the focal point in Dallas since his teenage years. Adjusting won’t be easy. “Now, they’re both great players, don’t get me wrong,” the legend acknowledged, “but LeBron wants the ball, and Luka definitely wants the ball. It’s going to be very interesting how that works out.” With both stars demanding control, the Lakers could face a major challenge.

What would Rob Pelinka do if things don’t work out like he envisioned? Would he send Luka back to Dallas and bring back AD? Or will he find a better replacement to bolster LeBron James’ championship dreams? There are too many questions for now, as they should be. After all, a trade as insane as this one is rare in the NBA. But the Lakers pulled it off in style. Now, we just have to wait for Doncic to debut as the No.77 of LA.