Stephen A's Take: Sounds off on Lakers’ Luka Doncic trade’s unprecedented impact on LeBron James

Summary

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

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Greg Rosenthal]

It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We're talking about the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. The move is the first time two all NBA players have been traded for.

[Michael Wilbon]

Each other during a season.

[Stephen A. Smith]

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. By the way, Max Christie was a part of this deal as well. He ends up going with Anthony Davis. 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. That also helps improves Dallas's defense as well. We can't forget this kind of stuff. Can't forget this. Dallas got that too. That's number one. Number two, gotta say something I said on the on the air this morning. I'll say it again. 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. I know it's not gonna happen.

[Michael Wilbon]

But if LeBron James was with Jalen Brunson and Bridges and Carl Anthony, man, something think about something to think about now the Knicks, this is where I think they messed up because they gave away five first round picks for Mikel Bridges. They gave away a couple of first round picks for the Anthony Call Anthony Towns. All you got is a bunch of second round picks to Give away and you could swap a couple of first round picks. That's the position they put themselves in. I wish they had had more assets.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To go out there and try to coax LeBron James into waving his no trade clause.

[Michael Wilbon]

The Golden State warriors, even though their chances seem slim, just imagine LeBron James.

[Stephen A. Smith]

With Draymond Green with a couple of those other assets. And the great Steph Curry, whose head you got to keep. Who forces you to keep your head on a swivel because you got to see where he's at. And you need oxygen, an oxygen tank whenever you finish. Because this brother is just ridiculous.

[Michael Wilbon]

How about that guy? How about that guy? I'm just wondering because LeBron with Steph.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Curry would be something to behold and hell, they could possibly both go out together.

[Michael Wilbon]

Because you see, if you go to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

State, you can't just waste away the years of Steph Curry. This is a once in a generation player. You utilize him to the max, it ain't gonna always be there. But Getting back to LeBron James, here's the point. LeBron James has looked sensational. No doubt about it. At age 40, we ain't never seen anything like it.

[Michael Wilbon]

Y'all want me to concede to him.

[Stephen A. Smith]

As being the goat?

[Michael Wilbon]

Sure, I'll do it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

In terms of longevity, he is the goat when it comes to longevity.

[Michael Wilbon]

LeBron James at his best was not MJ at his best. That's my definition of the goat. But if you want to sit up there and look at. We've never seen somebody this age, this many years in the NBA, 22 years. Next year is going to be his 23rd year, start his career. We're number 23 and all of this other stuff. Fine. I would say to you, he's the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Goat in that category.

[Michael Wilbon]

Nobody has ever been this great this long. My definition of the goat, however, is you at your best against MJ at his best. Who was, who was greater is mj. All day, every day, every day. That's how I feel about it. Now back to LeBron and the Lakers.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't know if LeBron James and Luka Doncic can play together. That's another reason why I think he should be considering waving his no trade clause.

[Michael Wilbon]

He's not going to do it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

From everything that I'm told, he's very, very comfortable in Los Angeles, in Tinseltown.

[Michael Wilbon]

He doesn't want to uproot himself, his.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Family or anything like that. You know, my, my attitude is you could go to Golden State and commute.

[Michael Wilbon]

Back to la, but him and Luca are ball hogs.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Him and Hugh Luka are ball dominant.

[Michael Wilbon]

And yes, LeBron James might not have.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A problem deferring and being deferential to.

[Michael Wilbon]

Luka to some degree. But can we really, really expect that? Can we really expect that? Because when you're a basketball savant, you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

See things others don't see. Even if it's another great savant and.

[Michael Wilbon]

As a result it could create conflict.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't know.

[Michael Wilbon]

And then you got to look at the assets. Right now, Jackson Hayes is the center.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That the Lakers are going to have to start.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yep.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You kept Austin Reaves, fine.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yep. You kept Rui Hachimura, sure, fine. But when you talk about Luca and LeBron, you're a relatively undersized team, even though both of them can post dudes.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Up, smaller guards and forwards. No doubt about that.

[Michael Wilbon]

But how you going to defend? You think LeBron's running back on defense? You think Luca's running back on defense? Who are your defenders? You don't have any. If you're the Los Angeles Lakers, it ain't going to be Austin Reeves who who teams isolate and pick on. So who's it going to be? So since you can't stop anybody, chances are you ain't going to win. And if you know that heading into the Fray, if you're LeBron James approaching your last year or so in the league, why stick around?

[Stephen A. Smith]

But he's going to stick around. All reports say he's going to stick around. So it's going to be interesting to.

[Michael Wilbon]

See how he adjusts to Luka and whether or not they can coexist offensively.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think they'll figure it out. Great players figure out how to play with one another. The late. I'm sorry, not the late Mr. Larry Brown. He's still alive and kicking.

[Michael Wilbon]

Former Coach of Phillips 76ers, Indiana Pacers.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Used to coach Denver in the ABA hall of Fame.

[Michael Wilbon]

Coach, coach the Pistons to a championship 2004, lost to the Finals to the spurs in 2005. That Larry Brown text me this morning. Great players figure out a way to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Play with one another.

[Michael Wilbon]

That is totally true. And that man has forgotten more basketball.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Than most of us know.

[Michael Wilbon]

I just believe it's not just about.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What LeBron and Luka can do. It's about who they gonna have to do it against. Have you seen Oklahoma City? Do you see how Dallas has assembled itself? Have you watched the Houston Rockets and how they've been balling and what IME.

[Michael Wilbon]

Udoka's got those brothers doing? Have you seen Amen Thompson, have you seen Green? Chagoon, have you seen the Houston Rockets? They're coming. Memphis is no joke either. Everywhere we turn, what are we seeing? I'm just looking at this and I'm saying, yo. When Nico Harrison says our window is now, what he's saying is, team's only going to get better and better and better over the years. What we gonna do about it? Are we gonna get the chip or not? We can't worry about six, seven years down the line. That Luca could have been the face of the franchise. Having people walk through the turnstiles, averaging 28 a night and being box office. He trying to win a championship, and he didn't believe he could do it. With Luca. A lot of it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Ooh.

[Michael Wilbon]

Some of it shaky. I get it. I understand in a lot of people's eyes. But there is no denying that the Mavericks are better in terms of their talent and how they're assembled for a championship. We got to find out. This deal is an absolute loss that will scar Nico Harrison forever if he doesn't win a championship. With Anthony Davis on the squad, they gotta win a chip. And God help them if some kind of miracle happens and Luka Doncic and LeBron James managed to win a title before Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks pull it off. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Nico Harrison and Jason Kittle never live it down. Can't happen. They gotta win, and they gotta make sure that they're considerably better than the Lakers. And they gotta hope that Luka Doncic doesn't get this chip on his shoulders, similar to the chip that his father expressed he clearly has on his shoulders on behalf of his son. They better hope that Luka Doncic doesn't go to LA and just wreaks such havoc. You're like, who the hell is this dude? All of a sudden he walking around with a six pack. He. He consulted with Gary Brea, the ultimate human and that brand, and getting himself a six pack and being in shape and. And got some stamina and.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And.

[Michael Wilbon]

And don't look like he been eating a bunch of donuts. God help anybody if Lucas starts looking like that and playing like a dude who's possessed and in shape. Dallas got a hope for all of.

[Stephen A. Smith]

These things, but if you're LeBron James, where do you go from here? The Lakers reportedly did not consult LeBron James. He found out like everybody else. He. He had no clue. And if they didn't consult him and they didn't consult Rich Paul for clutch sports, usually agents hear about these things. Usually they know about these things. They didn't consult Bill Duffy, the great Bill Duffy about Luka Doncic either. But if they didn't do all of that, what does it say?

[Michael Wilbon]

Ladies and gentlemen, I asked a rhetorical question on first take this morning.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'll ask it to you.

[Michael Wilbon]

All right?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now, if Kobe Bryant were alive, God rest his soul, and he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Lakers are doing a deal like this, do you really think that Jeannie Buss and Robert Lincoln would not have told Jerry Kobe Bryant beforehand? Do you think they would have kept him in the dark, keeping LeBron James in the dark? I understand Rob Palinka and his relationship with Nico Harrison and vice versa is what enabled it to be kept a secret. I get that part. But they wouldn't have kept that from Kobe. No way in hell. And the fact that they kept it from LeBron James, what does that say about what they think about LeBron James and how they feel about him? I don't know the answer to those questions. I just think they're legitimate questions.

[Michael Wilbon]

Fair or unfair? Clutch Sports had the reputation of being.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Seen as somebody, as an entity that was running the Lakers organization. And Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka and them were very salty about that imagery being projected in their direction. Is this why Rich Paul didn't know? Rich Paul also represents Anthony Davis. Rich Paul, by the way, congrats to him. He represents De'Aaron Fox well as well, but he represents Anthony Davis, he represents LeBron James. So he didn't know. What does that mean? Could it mean that the Lakers want.

[Michael Wilbon]

To send a message?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Genie Bus would send a message. Todd, all of this. We run this franchise, and we'll do what we want to do.

[Michael Wilbon]

Because no matter what way you slice.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It, and I'm not saying that's how they feel. I'm saying that's how it comes across. That's what people think.

[Michael Wilbon]

What I would say to you is.

[Stephen A. Smith]

This, in the end, this is clearly Luka Doncic's franchise. Yes. Bronnie's on the team. That's what LeBron James wanted. He's dressed in a Lakers uniform. He's traveling. He was there at the Garden the other night, scored, scored a basket against the Knicks, scored a basket before that. You know, get someone else. We get all of that. LeBron James. What he usually wants, he usually gets. For all we know, we might find out someday that LeBron was behind all of this. He wanted Luka. He just didn't want anybody to know. He didn't he wanted Luka so badly because Anthony Davis is a boy. I don't know, don't care. What I'm telling you is this. This is Clearly Luka's team. LeBron didn't mind being deferential to Anthony Davis, but I tell you, it's two different animals. He didn't mind being differential to Anthony Davis because even with Anthony Davis is the number one option on a basketball court, it was clearly LeBron's squad. Anthony Davis didn't have the cachet and the popularity that LeBron James had or still has. But Luca does. And now Luca being in LA with him, clearly as the face of the franchise, clearly the dude who will be marketed, clearly the dude that the Lakers are looking to hang their hat on for the next day, decade.

[Michael Wilbon]

They basically said, yo, man, you want to wave? Trade. No, trade clothes, go wave it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You want to stay, stay, do what you want. But this is his franchise. How is LeBron 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. Luca is just saying. Just saying.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL Draft season for. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

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[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

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[Julie Swearbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

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[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.