LeBron James Defies Time, Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Doncic and Reaves
At 41 years old, LeBron James remains the Lakers’ centerpiece. Stephen A. Smith praised the four-time NBA champion’s conditioning while criticizing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
As the Lakers celebrate their third straight win over the Jazz – locking up the fourth seed in the Western Conference and home-court advantage in their playoff series against the Rockets – the conversation has shifted once again to a topic that never seems to age: LeBron James’ longevity.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, LeBron carried the team and finished the season averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists – remarkable numbers for a 41-year-old in his 23rd NBA season.
That elite physical condition sparked a sharp reaction from Stephen A. Smith, who did not hold back while discussing LeBron’s teammates and the rest of the league during his show.
I’m tired of seeing this man at 41 years old, in his 23rd season, healthier than Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. At what point does embarrassment kick in?
Stephen A. Smith
The point raised by the ESPN analyst was brutally simple: with average salaries north of $10 million – and some reaching $50 million – how is it possible that younger stars do not invest in their bodies with the same obsession as James?
Where is your pride? Where is your dignity?
Stephen A. Smith
Smith continued, emphasizing that despite missing time earlier in the season, LeBron still appeared in 60 games, including back-to-backs.
While Doncic and Reaves continue to deal with injuries that make their return timeline uncertain, the Lakers are preparing for a heated first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Even though recent updates offer hope for at least a partial recovery from both stars, the 41-year-old from Akron will once again be the team’s guiding force.
Head coach JJ Redick has promised that the Lakers will give everything they have, but the challenge is obvious: building a winning strategy without two of the roster’s three best players is a tactical puzzle that would test any coach. LeBron’s durability remains a blessing – but if the Lakers want to get past Houston and make a deep run, the four-time NBA champion cannot be the only one carrying the load yet again.