Smith blasts the Lakers: “A $475 million Big Three that scares nobody”
After the Los Angeles Lakers’ aggressive offseason, Stephen A. Smith isn’t impressed. According to the ESPN analyst, the trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler isn’t nearly intimidating enough to strike fear across the NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers wasted no time reshaping their roster. Following LeBron James’ decision to leave the franchise, the front office launched a major overhaul. The headline addition is Walker Kessler, who arrives alongside Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Walker Kessler is the Lakers’ new starting center
To acquire Walker Kessler, the Lakers reached a deal with the Utah Jazz, sending two unprotected first-round NBA Draft picks (2031 and 2033), along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler then signed a four-year, $130 million contract that includes a player option for the final season and a clause guaranteeing him a bonus in the event of a future trade.
The move came as little surprise. The Lakers had been searching for a high-level center for quite some time, and the Jazz big man had long been at the top of their wishlist.
Trade talks between the Lakers and Jazz had been ongoing for several seasons, but the two sides finally reached an agreement this summer. Kessler had also viewed Los Angeles as his preferred destination for some time.
Not just Kessler: Sexton, Grimes, and Mamukelashvili also arrive
The Lakers weren’t finished after striking the deal with Utah.
The franchise also reached an agreement with Sandro Mamukelashvili, who will sign a four-year, $52 million contract. The forward is coming off an impressive season in which he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from three, even receiving votes in the Sixth Man of the Year race.
Quentin Grimes is also headed to Los Angeles on a four-year, $60 million contract. After bouncing around the league during his first five NBA seasons, Grimes found stability in Philadelphia, averaging 13.3 points across 75 games while proving to be a valuable contributor off the bench.
Finally, the Lakers added Collin Sexton, who agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal that includes a player option in the second season. Sexton arrives after averaging 15.4 points per game, adding scoring punch and depth to the Lakers’ backcourt.
Stephen A. Smith questions the Lakers’ moves
Not everyone believes the Lakers have done enough to return to the top of the NBA. Among the loudest critics is Stephen A. Smith, who voiced serious concerns about the team’s roster construction during his show.
The Lakers have committed a total of $475 million to a Big Three that doesn’t scare anybody
Stephen A. Smith
According to Smith, it’s no surprise that LeBron James chose to leave Los Angeles, adding that Rui Hachimura’s departure fits the same narrative.
It’s no surprise LeBron James decided to leave, and it’s no surprise Rui Hachimura is leaving the team as well
Stephen A. Smith
Smith also pointed out that the new trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler now carries the highest average annual salary of any trio in franchise history.
Luka Doncic will make $53.4 million per year, Austin Reaves $46.2 million, and Walker Kessler $32.5 million. Not only are they the three cornerstone players on the roster, they’re also the three highest-paid. And with that trio, you’re not scaring anybody
Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith’s comments reflect a personal – though understandable – opinion at a time when the Lakers are only beginning a new era. On paper, the project is already generating plenty of debate. The numbers are significant, but in basketball, only one thing ultimately matters: winning. And for now, there are still far more questions than answers.