NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith makes a controversial take on the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason moves.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a plethora of moves to kick off their offseason. Of course, the biggest talking point was allowing LeBron James to leave the team after eight seasons.
Evidently, the Laker Nation started questioning GM Rob Pelinka about the lack of additions to the roster, only for him to add multiple players to the team in a matter of minutes, including Walker Kessler.
Stephen A. Smith goes off on LA Lakers prioritizing white players
Aside from Kessler, three more players have committed to the Lakers’ new project: Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Of course, these announcements have been met with mixed reactions from fans, but renowned NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith found a non-basketball reason to call out the Lakers’ moves.
“Where the hell do the Los Angeles Lakers think they are going with a bunch of white dudes? Your three top players are white dudes? Really? This ain’t golf, this ain’t baseball, it ain’t even soccer.
“This is basketball. In NBA history, when have you seen your three most prominent players on the basketball team all be white, and what takes you to the promised land?” Smith asked.
He added, “Somebody’s gotta say it, so I’m saying it. This is basketball; I’m not complaining; I’m making the point.”
The three white players that Smith mentioned are none other than Kessler, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. All three are sensational players, and their race should have nothing to do with their ability to lead a team in the NBA.
Stephen A. Smith continues his rant about LA Lakers players
There’s no doubt that the NBA has seen its fair share of black players dominate the league. Be it Michael Jordan or LeBron James, there have been a plethora of examples.
But is it fair to call white players out? Certainly not. Sadly, Smith doesn’t seem to believe in that as he continued his vicious rant.
“The Lakers aren’t going anywhere being led by three white dudes in today’s generation of basketball. It ain’t happening. They both have earned what they have earned, and with LeBron James, I get it,” Smith continued.
“But those two and Walker Kessler? You ain’t scaring anybody with that. Rob Pelinka has made this white dude central. No wonder LeBron James walked out the door,” he concluded.
At the end of the day, if a player can play elite basketball, they should be given a shot to play. Hopefully, Smith understands that and apologizes for his insensitive comments sooner rather than later.
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