Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – "Stephen A's Take: Sounds off on Lakers’ Luka Doncic trade’s unprecedented impact on LeBron James"

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the ramifications of the monumental trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Co-hosting with Michael Wilbon, Smith explores the unprecedented nature of exchanging two All-NBA players mid-season and examines the broader implications for LeBron James and the future of the Lakers franchise.

The Blockbuster Trade: Doncic to Lakers, Davis to Mavericks

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the discussion by highlighting the significance of the trade:

“The move is the first time two All NBA players have been traded for each other during a season.”
[01:02]

Michael Wilbon adds context to the trade's magnitude:

“Each other during a season.”
[01:12]

Smith elaborates on the components of the deal, mentioning Max Christie moving with Anthony Davis, enhancing both teams' defensive capabilities:

“Max Christie was your 3 and D kind of player. He hit the 3, could defend the wing, one of the Lakers better defenders I might add.”
[01:12]

Impact on LeBron James and the Lakers' Future

A central theme of the episode is how the trade affects LeBron James and his role within the Lakers:

“So the Lakers now have an international superstar to secure their future. But what does it mean for the 44-time champion and resident international superstar that is LeBron James? It’s a huge question.”
[01:12]

Smith expresses skepticism about LeBron potentially moving to the New York Knicks, emphasizing his loyalty to Los Angeles:

“If you’re LeBron James and you’re about winning still you waive your no trade clause, try to get to the Knicks. I know it’s not gonna happen.”
[02:12]

Wilbon discusses the dynamics within the team, pondering whether LeBron and Luka Doncic can coexist:

“With Draymond Green with a couple of those other assets. And the great Steph Curry, whose head you got to keep... How about that guy?”
[03:10]

LeBron James: The GOAT of Longevity

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around LeBron James’ enduring excellence and his status in the NBA:

Smith posits LeBron as the greatest in terms of longevity:

“In terms of longevity, he is the goat when it comes to longevity.”
[03:50]

Wilbon contrasts LeBron with Michael Jordan, acknowledging his sustained greatness:

“LeBron James at his best was not MJ at his best. That’s my definition of the goat.”
[04:25]

Despite differing opinions on who holds the GOAT title overall, both agree on LeBron's unparalleled career longevity.

Team Dynamics and Defensive Concerns

The hosts analyze the Lakers' roster post-trade, focusing on defensive vulnerabilities:

Smith raises concerns about team defense:

“You’re a relatively undersized team, even though both of them can post dudes.”
[05:52]

Wilbon questions how the Lakers will defend against opponents:

“You don’t have any [defenders]. If you’re the Los Angeles Lakers, it ain’t going to be Austin Reeves who teams isolate and pick on,”
[05:55]

This leads to a broader discussion on whether the team can maintain competitiveness without a strong defensive lineup.

Potential for Championships and Future Prospects

The conversation shifts to the Mavericks and their championship aspirations with Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic:

Wilbon asserts the Mavericks' talent assembly:

“But there is no denying that the Mavericks are better in terms of their talent and how they’re assembled for a championship.”
[07:10]

Smith speculates on the dynamic if LeBron and Doncic were to coexist:

“I don’t know if LeBron James and Luka Doncic can play together.”
[04:52]

Both hosts ponder the likelihood of the Lakers securing another title amidst these changes, considering LeBron's potential waning influence and Doncic's rising prominence.

Organizational Decisions and Player Relations

A critical point of contention is the Lakers' decision-making process regarding the trade, particularly the lack of consultation with key figures:

Smith questions the Lakers' transparency:

“The Lakers reportedly did not consult LeBron James. He found out like everybody else.”
[09:46]

He further speculates on the implications of excluding Rich Paul and Bill Duffy from trade discussions:

“But if they didn’t do all of that, what does it say?”
[10:24]

Wilbon suggests the Lakers might be sending a message about their autonomy:

“Because no matter what way you slice... they were very salty about that imagery being projected in their direction.”
[11:27]

This segment highlights potential internal conflicts and the strategic direction the Lakers are taking post-trade.

The Future of the Lakers: Luka Doncic as the Franchise Face

Smith concludes by asserting Doncic's emerging role as the new face of the Lakers:

“This is clearly Luka Doncic's franchise. Yes. Bronnie's on the team.”
[12:13]

He emphasizes that Doncic is poised to take center stage in the franchise's marketing and future endeavors:

“Clearly the dude who will be marketed, clearly the dude that the Lakers are looking to hang their hat on for the next decade.”
[13:37]

Wilbon echoes this sentiment, recognizing the shift in team identity:

“They basically said, yo, man, you want to wave? Trade clothes, go wave it.”
[13:41]

Smith reflects on LeBron's legacy and his place in the evolving Lakers narrative:

“How is he going to feel about that? That’s the question. That’s what we got to deal with. How’s he going to react to all of that? He ain’t the story no more, y’all.”
[13:41]

Conclusion

The episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a comprehensive analysis of the unprecedented trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, delving into its impact on LeBron James, the Lakers' team dynamics, and the broader NBA landscape. Smith and Wilbon present a nuanced exploration of potential future scenarios, emphasizing the transformative nature of the trade and anticipating significant changes in the Lakers' franchise identity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith: “The move is the first time two All NBA players have been traded for each other during a season.”
  [01:02]

• Michael Wilbon: “Each other during a season.”
  [01:12]

• Stephen A. Smith: “In terms of longevity, he is the goat when it comes to longevity.”
  [03:50]

• Michael Wilbon: “LeBron James at his best was not MJ at his best. That’s my definition of the goat.”
  [04:25]

• Stephen A. Smith: “You’re a relatively undersized team, even though both of them can post dudes.”
  [05:52]

• Michael Wilbon: “But there is no denying that the Mavericks are better in terms of their talent and how they’re assembled for a championship.”
  [07:10]

• Stephen A. Smith: “This is clearly Luka Doncic's franchise. Yes. Bronnie's on the team.”
  [12:13]

• Stephen A. Smith: “He ain’t the story no more, y’all.”
  [13:41]

This summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of the high-stakes trade and its implications within the NBA.