The Lakers crashed out, hard. They were the favourites leading into their first-round series against the Timberwolves. Shannon Sharpe always said, “Lakers in 5.” But little did he know, he meant “Lakers ‘crashout’ in 5.” There are two sides to this story – either about Minnesota defying all odds and booking a semi-spot, or the Lakers not meeting expectations. For Stephen A. Smith, it’s the latter. And most of that has to do with LeBron James’ sheer disinterest in a win.

At his age, the King has seen all, done all, conquered all. He doesn’t have anything to fight for anymore. But his teammates know – that’s very unlike the King. He never gives up- there’s a reason he’s still a top-10 player in his 22nd year. But SAS has been an LBJ skeptic since day 1. It’s gone to the point where he’s even been accused of lying just to get his point across. Well, some things never change. And those accusations have resurfaced after his recent comments on Bron’s playoff performances.

“He is a four-time champion, he’s a four-time league MVP, he has four and went to ten NBA finals. There can be a situation where ‘Imma go out there, imma gonna bust my tail. I’m gonna make sure it ain’t because of me.’ But in the same breath,  ‘I like my life. And I’m not looking to walk away and I’m not looking to get traded.’ So it is what it is,” said SAS on First Take.

This isn’t the worst take, to be fair. Many fans know this to be the case as well. After a point, you just lose the will and the desire to compete. And after 22 years, priorities change. LeBron James has been incredibly vocal about his retirement and that he’s looking forward to being with his family.

LBJ’s won 4 NBA rings, been the MVP in all 4 of those finals, gotten 4 season MVPs, and been an All-Star 21 times. He literally doesn’t have anything else to do. But as a Laker, he will still be looking to get them that elusive 18th championship ring next year. Or will he? Ex-champion Jeff Teague was watching the playoffs. And the demeanor he saw? Not good enough to be a champion, even next season.

Jeff Teague- “[LeBron James] ain’t playin’ for real no more”

Jeff Teague has come up against the King multiple times in his 13-year career. And his 2021 championship win with the Bucks shows that he knows what he’s talking about. But Bron’s playoff performance left something for JET to wonder. He saw something he’d never seen before. And when asked what it was, he had one simple answer: “Bron ain’t playing for real no more.”

But how can he say this after James recorded 22/7/6 in Game 5 after playing 46 minutes in Game 4? “But y’all gotta see how he killed. He shot all threes. N—a he shot a step back there and hit the side of the backboard. I like, I was like yeah, Bron ain’t playing for real. ‘Cause usually Bron just put his head down and drive. Brown you can do whatever you want. I don’t give a damn,” said Teague.

Compared to his older performances, this was a not a performance Bron can be proud of. 9-of-21 from the field and only 20% from downtown? Teague nailed it with that. Yes, he did get 22 points, which st 40 in itself is an achievement. But the King’s high standards are surely dropping right in front of our eyes.

It’s safe to say that LeBron James trying a little less is justified. Whether SAS is lying or not, there are too many people who believe this to be the case. Even Jeff Teague has jumped on the bandwagon. But Shams Charania of ESPN has confirmed the King to be on the throne for a record-breaking 23rd season. What demeanor do you think we’ll see from him next season?