Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe engaged in an amusing back-and-forth after the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic. Although their interaction may have had an air of humor, the Lakers’ situation appears grim.
While the Lakers undoubtedly improved their chances of contending for an NBA championship by trading away Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and adding Luka Dončić to their roster, the team still has many issues to resolve if it wishes to win a title. Smith and Sharpe discussed the subject in detail.
Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Shannon Sharpe for Finally Criticizing the Lakers
Fans who watch basketball media will know that Smith and Sharpe have been co-hosting on First Take for a while now. Although both have their differences, Sharpe has set himself apart by clearly stating that he supports LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Sharpe might sincerely want the Lakers to win the championship, he did not let his personal bias hold him back from doing his job. After an unexpected loss to the Orlando Magic, Sharpe called out all the flaws he observed on his team.
“Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they are for real, and had they not gotten hurt…I’m not so sure about the Magic with the talent that they have. Those two guys could carry them to the fourth seed. I believe that, but that said, the Lakers don’t play any defense. They gave up 146 to Chicago. They gave up 118 last night. They’re allowing teams to shoot 50 percent from the floor.”
Sharpe continued, “They’re allowing teams to get whatever they want, they’re getting pounded on the glass, and they’re getting broken down on the dribble. Guys, come to help, and now you got guys shooting shootaround threes, or you got guys laying the ball up. They’re not nearly as physical as they need to be on the defensive end. They gotta get back defensively, and they gotta find a way to start the third quarter.”
“I’m waiting to see ‘Lakers in 5.’ I don’t see the confidence.” 😂 @stephenasmith responds to @ShannonSharpe saying the Lakers “don’t play any defense” after their third straight loss against the Magic 👀 pic.twitter.com/QV04JO3L25
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 25, 2025
Improving their physicality on the defensive end and getting back on transition defense are undoubtedly essential issues that the Lakers need to resolve. While Sharpe was unbiased and fair, Smith was unwilling to let him get away with it.
“No, no, no, don’t worry about that. Lakers in five? That’s what I’m asking. I’m waiting to see the Lakers in five. I don’t see the confidence. I don’t see the same bravado. I don’t see you sticking out your chest, and it’s a pretty big damn chest; the way you stick it out, everybody knows it.”
Although Smith just took a shot at Sharpe, he agreed that the Lakers have pressing issues to address. Even if they have an elite offense with James and Dončić in the lineup, that is pointless if they cannot stop the opposition from scoring. Fans wonder what adjustments JJ Redick will make to the Lakers as the season ends.