Stephen A. Smith's Bold Claim On LeBron James Era

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LA Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-111 during a NBA basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA - March 03: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets ESPNs Stephen A. Smith prior to a NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 3, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Stephen A. Smith hints at dark times for LeBron James if Lakers lose Game 6.

Stephen A. Smith has been in a more jovial mood this NBA Playoffs. Smith has tons of confidence in his New York Knicks, who now have a shot at the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the legendary television host also hasn't shied away from his bold takes this post-season. The newest take involves the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. According to Smith, a Game 6 loss for the Lakers could spell the end of another championship coming to Los Angeles in the James era.

On Friday's episode of First Take, the crew discussed the big game between the Grizzlies and Lakers. For Smith, this game is the end all, be all, for James' legacy in Los Angeles. The host stated that a Game 6 loss would all but guarantee the Lakers will not win another title with James. James helped lead the team to a title back in 2020. However, since that time, the Lakers haven't even sniffed a championship run. Everyone knows the sand in the hourglass is running low. But could this really be it?

Stephen A. Smith Losing Hope In Lakers

The Lakers-Grizzlies series has been one to remember. As Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks made waves with comments made earlier in the series. Including telling the media that he doesn't respect James. While calling the Lakers star old. However, the Lakers got the memo, as the team rattled off three straight wins. But Game 5 proved that the Grizzlies will not be going away easily. Memphis had the game in the bag from the opening tip. Game 6 really could be the last chance the Lakers have at sealing the series.

If you're a Lakers fan, the hope is that Game 6 will be the final game of the series. There was a lot of talk heading into the series that the Lakers could pull off the upset. However, the Grizzlies may feel some disrespect from that. As the Grizzlies are the current two seed in the Western Conference. Expect some fireworks in Friday's matchup. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith's take on LeBron's Lakers legacy? Let us know your predictions on the series in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

About The Author
Tyler Reed
Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.
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