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Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless reignite rivalry over Lakers being better off without LeBron James
Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless renewed their on-air rivalry on “First Take” while debating whether the Los Angeles Lakers are better off without LeBron James. Bayless argued that Luka Dončić can now take centre stage and that James’s time in Los Angeles was overrated, while Smith reacted with disbelief.
Bayless said Dončić had grown as a player by improving his fitness and defence, and suggested he had tired of sharing the spotlight with James, who is 40. The Lakers debate is expected to continue during the season. Smith and Bayless previously worked together on the programme for four years before Bayless left for Fox Sports in 2016.
In short
- Smith and Bayless clashed over the Lakers’ future without LeBron.
- Bayless said Dončić can take centre stage.
- The former co-hosts renewed a familiar sports debate.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Lakers may benefit from giving Luka Dončić clearer responsibility as their central playmaker and public face, especially if his improved fitness and defence help him carry more of the team’s burden. At 40, LeBron James may be less able to sustain his past level across a season, and moving on from his role could give the team room to build around a different timeline.
The case against
James remains an exceptional player whose experience, scoring and playmaking can make the Lakers more competitive, so his age alone does not show the team would be better without him. Dončić’s development need not require sidelining James: their combined abilities could give the team more options, while claims that James’s Los Angeles tenure was overrated may understate his contribution.