Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: NBA Coach gets fired with 9 games left. Let's review the facts behind the decision! Release Date: March 30, 2025

Introduction In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the recent developments within the NBA, focusing primarily on the unexpected firing of Memphis Grizzlies' coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in the regular season. Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the circumstances leading to this decision, the implications for the Grizzlies, and the broader impact on the Western Conference standings, particularly concerning the Los Angeles Lakers.

Memphis Grizzlies Fire Coach Taylor Jenkins Stephen A. opens the discussion with the surprising news that the Memphis Grizzlies have dismissed their head coach, Taylor Jenkins, despite the team still having nine games left in the season. Smith expresses his bewilderment over the decision, questioning the rationale behind letting a coach go so late in the season.

“Taylor Jenkins, who I think is a pretty damn good coach, only got about nine games left in the season. Why the hell would you let him go?” (03:15)

Smith acknowledges Jenkins' coaching abilities but points out that the Grizzlies have struggled significantly against top-tier teams. He cites their record against the Western Conference's elite, highlighting a 4-15 performance against the top seven seeds.

“I think they're like 4, 4 and 15 against the top seven teams...” (04:20)

He further elaborates on the Grizzlies' poor performance against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets, suggesting that Jenkins' inability to secure wins against strong opponents may have influenced the management's decision.

Analysis of Grizzlies' Struggles Smith delves into the statistical underperformance of the Grizzlies, emphasizing their winless record against the Oklahoma City Thunder and their overall dismal performance since the All-Star break. He attributes the team's woes to a combination of injuries, including key players like John Moran and Jaren Jackson Jr., and a lackluster season from star player Ja Morant.

“John Moran hasn't looked the same this year... Jaren Jackson Jr's been out.” (05:45)

Smith speculates that if Morant had a stronger season, Jenkins might have remained, indicating that individual player performances are pivotal to coaching decisions.

“If Ja Morant had a greater year, I don't think Taylor Jenkins would be gone.” (06:10)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Declining Performance Transitioning to the Lakers, Smith provides a critical analysis of their recent decline. He references a pivotal game against the Chicago Bulls, where a last-second half-court shot by Josh Giddey led to a Lakers loss, exemplifying their inconsistent performance in the final stretch of games.

“Josh Giddey... nails a buzzer-beating half court heave over LeBron James to win the game for the Chicago Bulls.” (01:30)

Smith highlights the Lakers' current standing as a fourth seed in the Western Conference, tied with the Grizzlies at 44-29. However, he emphasizes their recent form, being 4-6 in the last ten games, which undermines their previous status as one of the top teams in the West.

“The Lakers are now four and six in their last 10 games and currently hold a number four seed in the west via tiebreaker over the Grizzlies, who have the Same record at 44 and 29.” (02:10)

Impact of LeBron James’ Injury A significant factor in the Lakers' decline, according to Smith, is the injury sustained by LeBron James. He discusses how LeBron's groin injury not only affects his performance but also the team's defensive capabilities and overall morale.

“LeBron James, from what his sources tell him, he's not 100% healthy. He's only at about 75 to 80%.” (07:20)

Smith critiques the Lakers' defensive strategies, especially Luka Doncic's role, noting that the team leads the league in opponents' blow-by maneuvers, which compromises their defensive integrity.

“Nobody gets blown by more in the NBA than Luka Doncic. Since he's become a Los Angeles Laker, he's leading the league in blow bys.” (07:50)

Statistical Insights and Future Outlook Smith supports his analysis with key statistics, underscoring the Lakers' poor shooting and defensive ratings in recent games. He points out that in their latest game, the Lakers' starting five shot a collective 26% from three-point range and highlights a significant drop in their defensive performance since LeBron's return.

“Lakers starting five last night, Thursday night, shot a collective eight for 31 from three from deep. That's only 26%.” (08:30)

“In the four games since LeBron James has returned, the Lakers are one and three and have the fourth worst defensive rating in the league during this stretch.” (08:45)

Smith forecasts a bleak playoff outlook for the Lakers, suggesting that their seeding could lead to early exits, potentially in the first or second rounds, limiting their chances to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

“So the Lakers have gone from looking like a bonafide big time threat to come out of the west and at the least, get in the way and have a face off against Oklahoma City Thunder.” (09:10)

Conclusion Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating the precarious situation both the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in. He emphasizes the need for organizational changes and improved performance to secure favorable playoff positions and outcomes. Smith's in-depth analysis provides listeners with a clear understanding of the current NBA landscape, underscored by critical statistics and expert commentary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Taylor Jenkins, who I think is a pretty damn good coach, only got about nine games left in the season. Why the hell would you let him go?” (03:15)
• “If Ja Morant had a greater year, I don't think Taylor Jenkins would be gone.” (06:10)
• “Nobody gets blown by more in the NBA than Luka Doncic. Since he's become a Los Angeles Laker, he's leading the league in blow bys.” (07:50)
• “So the Lakers have gone from looking like a bonafide big time threat to come out of the west and at the least, get in the way and have a face off against Oklahoma City Thunder.” (09:10)

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a thorough examination of critical NBA developments, providing fans with nuanced insights into team dynamics, coaching decisions, and playoff implications. Stephen A.'s expert analysis and compelling commentary make it an essential listen for anyone interested in the current state of professional basketball.