“Its a Stain to Some Degree”: LeBron James’ Legacy Thrown Up in the Air on National TV After Major Voice Doubles Down on LBJ Criticism

Celebrated analyst Stephen A. Smith has dialed up the pressure on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. His first aim at the King came during the All-Star weekend. Right after an enthralling display by Mac McClung, Smith claimed James is responsible for ruining the dunk contest by never participating. His fury was in its full glory as he put the blame on the 38-year-old superstar. However, he doesn’t seem to be done yet. The ESPN headline personality revealed another ‘stain’ that the 19-time All-Star could potentially face this season.

With the All-Star break giving NBA stars a chance to reflect, James spoke to the media from a position of desperation. Just 23 games left in the season, the Lakers need a stupendous effort from here to have a possible chance to make the playoffs. Last season’s failures have added an immense amount of pressure on the Lakers, a franchise revered for their postseason appearances to make the jump this year. And James is well aware of the expectation bestowed upon him and his teammates.

He made a confident statement in the media to do whatever it takes to play all the remaining games of the season in hopes of securing a play-in spot. Reacting to his words on ESPN, Smith believes the new-looking Lake Show shouldn’t have their eyes on being anything but a playoff team. According to him, they are well capable of making the leap to the 6th seed even from their current position.

Stephen A.Smith launches yet another bomb on LeBron James and his Lakers

The 55-year-old analyst sat alongside former NBA star JJ Reddick to discuss the Lakers and LeBron James. The all-time leading scorer of the NBA had made his intentions clear. James said the remaining stretch of games could be the most important of his career. And Smith was in agreeance. The analyst said the Lakers’ new additions have made them a capable roster to make the playoffs. His expectations: the Purple and Gold march in for the 6th seed.

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However, the flip side of the story according to Smith could spell horror for James’ legacy. He claims there are no championship expectations from the Lakers this season. But if they can’t successfully be a part of the postseason for a second year in a row, it will damage the King’s NBA story. In a tweet shared by him, he said, “I think it would be a stain to some degree and it is only because of his words.” Smith continued, “If LeBron James is healthy with Anthony Davis on the court healthy. You got D’Angelo Russell now, Malik Beasley to join the crew. Yeah, nobody is expecting a championship. But there is no way in hell you are the Los Angeles Lakers and you should stay a 13th seed.” 

Smith also said it will be embarrassing if a healthy Laker roster can’t make it to the playoffs. He also believes LeBron James feels the Purple and Gold are a postseason team, and that’s the reason he spoke out during the All-Star break.

The spotlight is going to follow the 17-time champions every game from here on out. Right before the break, they won commandingly over the New Orleans Pelicans. The new faces have proven to make an immediate impact, especially on the defensive end. LeBron James could have to battle a foot injury throughout the season, but it’s a sacrifice he seems willing to make. In addition, AD will need to return back to his dominant self pre-sustaining the ankle injury.

D’Angelo Russell and Beasley provide the Lakers with the floor spacing they so longed for the past few seasons. They can consistently knock down threes and even make the right plays. Jarred Vanderbilt is an interior monster who crashes the glasses. He is arguably the primary difference maker the Lakers added to their defensive roster.

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Even though late in the season, the pieces have lined themselves up. All that is left is to play with cohesion and live up to the Laker brand. The Purple and Gold color carries a huge weight. And with LeBron James donning the jersey, the expectations are now at their peak. Do you think they will make it happen? Let us know your views in the comments below.