The Stephen A. Smith Show - Episode Summary

Episode: Stephen A's Take: Stephen A updates us on the NBA Playoffs

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Host: Stephen A. Smith

Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the NBA Playoffs

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the current NBA Playoffs, providing his unfiltered analysis and passionate insights on key teams and players vying for the championship. Skipping over the advertisements and intros, Stephen A. zeroes in on the high-stakes battles unfolding on the court.

Lakers' Struggle and Coaching Decisions

Stephen A. begins by discussing the Los Angeles Lakers' precarious position in the playoffs. The Lakers are facing elimination at home against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reflecting on the Lakers' recent performance, he critiques head coach J.J. Redick's strategy.

Stephen A. Smith (01:45): “J.J. Redick became the first coach to use the same five players for an entire half of a playoff game since at least 1998. Despite that stat, Redick said yesterday he doesn't believe fatigue played a role in why the Lakers lost.”

Stephen A. questions Redick’s confidence in his bench and big men, suggesting that this lack of depth forces star players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic to carry an excessive load.

LeBron James: Ageless But Under Pressure

Addressing LeBron James, Stephen A. acknowledges the superstar's remarkable longevity and physical condition, even at age 40 in his 22nd NBA season. However, he points out the challenges LeBron faces in balancing offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Stephen A. Smith (02:30): “LeBron James is in better shape than most, even at age 40 in his 22nd season in the NBA. But he was clearly taking offensive plays off because he had to focus so much on defense.”

Luka Doncic: Fatigue and Defensive Pressure

Stephen A. shifts focus to Luka Doncic, highlighting the relentless defensive pressure from the Timberwolves, which could lead to fatigue as the playoffs intensify.

Stephen A. Smith (03:05): “Luka Doncic has never been accused of being in shape, so when the Minnesota Timberwolves are pressing him 94% of the game long, eventually the fourth quarter is going to arrive and fatigue is going to set in.”

He critiques the Minnesota Timberwolves for successfully challenging Doncic, implicating their defensive strategies as a key factor in the Lakers' struggles.

Anthony Edwards: Rising Star and Game-Changer

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Anthony Edwards, whom Stephen A. hails as a burgeoning superstar with "Jordanesque" talent.

Stephen A. Smith (03:50): “Anthony Edwards is a superstar brother. He is a skywalker. He is Jordanesque with a J. He is special and right now he's like a shark in blood-infested waters.”

Stephen A. lauds Edwards' performance in the playoffs, noting his ability to dismantle top-tier players and his relentless drive on the court.

Stephen A. Smith (04:10): “Anthony 'Ant Man' Edwards is on the verge over the last two years of sending home Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. Ladies and gentlemen, that's star power.”

Predictions for Game 5 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Stephen A. offers his prognostications for the upcoming Game 5 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. He expresses optimism that the Lakers can secure a victory, thereby shifting the pressure back onto Minnesota for Game 6.

Stephen A. Smith (04:50): “I think the Lakers probably will win Game 5 in Los Angeles at the crypto.com arena, and then that puts the pressure back on Minnesota to win a Game Six on their home turf.”

However, he remains cautious, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Edwards and the Timberwolves.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Younger Generation

Wrapping up his analysis, Stephen A. emphasizes the need to recognize and support the emerging younger talents in the NBA, signaling a shift towards the future of basketball.

Stephen A. Smith (05:45): “As much as we love seeing LeBron James, as much as we love watching Steph Curry, it's time to make way for the younger generation of cats out there. And it starts with him. Trust me on that. Trust me.”

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive and passionate overview of the NBA Playoffs, highlighting the intense competition between seasoned veterans and rising stars. His insights shed light on strategic decisions, player performances, and the evolving dynamics within the league, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the current playoff landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [01:45] “J.J. Redick became the first coach to use the same five players for an entire half of a playoff game since at least 1998. Despite that stat, Redick said yesterday he doesn't believe fatigue played a role in why the Lakers lost.”
• [02:30] “LeBron James is in better shape than most, even at age 40 in his 22nd season in the NBA. But he was clearly taking offensive plays off because he had to focus so much on defense.”
• [03:50] “Anthony Edwards is a superstar brother. He is a skywalker. He is Jordanesque with a J. He is special and right now he's like a shark in blood-infested waters.”
• [04:10] “Anthony 'Ant Man' Edwards is on the verge over the last two years of sending home Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. Ladies and gentlemen, that's star power.”
• [04:50] “I think the Lakers probably will win Game 5 in Los Angeles at the crypto.com arena, and then that puts the pressure back on Minnesota to win a Game Six on their home turf.”
• [05:45] “As much as we love seeing LeBron James, as much as we love watching Steph Curry, it's time to make way for the younger generation of cats out there. And it starts with him. Trust me on that. Trust me.”

Final Note

For a detailed exploration of the NBA Playoffs and Stephen A. Smith's candid perspectives, tuning into this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show is highly recommended. Whether you're a dedicated basketball fan or someone seeking insightful sports analysis, this episode promises to inform and engage.