The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: NBA Talk. Are the Lakers and Warriors Really Title Contenders?
Release Date: February 25, 2025

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the current landscape of the NBA, focusing on whether the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors truly stand as legitimate contenders for the championship. Through comprehensive analysis, insightful commentary, and candid opinions, Stephen A. navigates the strengths, weaknesses, and future prospects of these powerhouse teams, while also touching upon the challenges faced by the New York Knicks.

Los Angeles Lakers: A Resurgent Force

Stephen A. begins his discussion by highlighting the Lakers' recent performance, notably their decisive 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets, snapping a nine-game losing streak. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Lakers, who had previously lost 13 of their last 14 encounters against the Nuggets.

Key Highlights:

• LeBron James' Enduring Excellence: At 40 years old and in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to defy expectations. Stephen A. praises LeBron's "phenomenal" athleticism, speed, and agility, asserting, “There's no denying his greatness and what he brings to the table” (04:15).

• Impact of Luka Doncic: The acquisition of Luka Doncic has injected a potent offensive dynamic into the Lakers' lineup. His ability to take control of the ball and create scoring opportunities has been a game-changer.

• Defensive Improvements: Contrary to previous assumptions about their defensive shortcomings, the Lakers have elevated their defense significantly. With versatile players like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers have become one of the top defensive teams in their last ten games.

• Playoff Implications: If the Lakers maintain this trajectory, Stephen A. forecasts that they will secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference, possess home-court advantage in the first playoff round, and have a viable path to the conference finals. He emphasizes, “If that team shows up for the rest of this regular season into the playoffs, the Lakers are going to be a top four seed in the West” (05:50).

Golden State Warriors: Reinventing the Dynasty

Shifting focus to the Golden State Warriors, Stephen A. examines the team's strategic acquisition of Jimmy Butler before the trading deadline. Butler's integration has been seamless, as evidenced by the Warriors' dominant 126-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks, marking a 5-1 record since acquiring him.

Key Highlights:

• Jimmy Butler's Role: Butler has become the second most utilized offensive player, with a usage rate of 23% compared to Steph Curry's 29%. His proficiency at the free-throw line, demonstrated by going "8 for 8 from the line" in his debut (07:20), provides Steph with crucial rest and recovery periods during games.

• Steph Curry's Conditioning: At nearly 37 years old, Curry isn't the "youngest spring chicken," and the Warriors have adapted by incorporating Butler to manage Curry's workload. Stephen A. appreciates this strategy, noting, “That's exactly the kind of break that Steph Curry needs to stay in a game without coming out of the game” (08:05).

• Defensive Synergy: Butler's presence allows Curry to operate more freely, enhancing the Warriors' overall threat on the court. This strategic depth has positioned Golden State as a formidable contender within the Western Conference.

• Confident Leadership: Draymond Green’s assertion, “We are going to win the NBA championship,” encapsulates the Warriors' championship mentality. While acknowledging the pressure this statement places on the team, Stephen A. believes it's indicative of their unwavering confidence and competitiveness (10:30).

New York Knicks: Struggling in the East

Towards the latter part of the episode, Stephen A. turns his attention to the New York Knicks, who recently suffered a 118-105 defeat against the Boston Celtics. Despite being the third-best team in the Eastern Conference, Stephen A. is skeptical about their ability to make a deep playoff run.

Key Highlights:

• Performance Concerns: The Knicks lack the grit and defensive prowess that characterized their performance last season. Stephen A. criticizes their defensive strategy under coach Tom Thibodeau, labeling it as "one of the worst defenses in basketball" (09:50).

• Karl-Anthony Towns' Play Style: While acknowledging Towns as "the best shooter, shooting big man in basketball without question," Stephen A. expresses concerns over his tendency to put the ball on the floor. He warns, “He needs to be in the post with his back to the basket or away from the basket, catching and shooting. He does not need to be putting the ball on the floor because he's 6'11"” (10:10).

• Team Dynamics and Trades: The recent trade of Julius Randle and Dante DiVincenzo has not yielded the desired improvements. Stephen A. reflects on personal sentiments, sharing how a close friend’s derogatory comment about the trade affected him emotionally, underscoring his deep connection and disappointment with the team's direction (11:00).

• Future Outlook: Given the current trajectory, Stephen A. remains pessimistic about the Knicks’ chances, stating unequivocally, “The New York Knicks, from a talent perspective, is better than what they were last year. They don't have the same grit, they don't have the same dog in them” (10:45). He advises fans and followers to temper their expectations regarding the team's postseason prospects.

Conclusion: A Dynamic NBA Landscape

Stephen A. wraps up the episode by underscoring the evolving dynamics of the NBA. With powerhouse teams like the Lakers and Warriors making strategic moves to enhance their rosters and performance, the competition intensifies as the playoffs approach. Concurrently, teams like the Knicks face significant hurdles that may impede their championship aspirations. Stephen A.'s analysis provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA season's critical movements and what to anticipate as the postseason unfolds.

Notable Quotes:

• “There's no denying his greatness and what he brings to the table.” — Stephen A. on LeBron James (04:15)

• “If that team shows up for the rest of this regular season into the playoffs, the Lakers are going to be a top four seed in the West.” — Stephen A. on Lakers' Playoff Prospects (05:50)

• “That's exactly the kind of break that Steph Curry needs to stay in a game without coming out of the game.” — Stephen A. on Curry and Butler's Synergy (08:05)

• “The New York Knicks... they don't have the same grit, they don't have the same dog in them.” — Stephen A. on Knicks' Season (10:45)

This episode offers a thorough exploration of key NBA teams' strategies and performances, providing listeners with expert insights and forward-looking perspectives essential for understanding the season's trajectory.