Looks like Stephen A. Smith has already moved on. After a public confrontation left Smith reeling, and LeBron James angry, you wouldn’t expect the two to make up so quickly, isn’t it? Well, going by the broadcaster’s recent statements, looks like he’s made up his mind to extend that hand of friendship. But before we dive into that…

A little recap of the controversy: Now, we all know that Smith has never been one to mince his words. Like a true analyst, he’s always stuck to what he feels is right. However, too much honestly can sometimes pull you down, as was the case with the ESPN veteran when he decided to get too honest about James’ 20-year-old NBA player son, Bronny. Amid heavy discussions of nepotism surrounding the young player being inducted into the Los Angeles Lakers (55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft), the 57-year-old didn’t hold back.

“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” the ESPN SportsCenter veteran had began in a monologue that can only be described as a scathing attack. “We love what we’re seeing from him in the G League because that’s where you belong as you hone your skills and you get better and you legitimately earn—which I believe he has the potential to do,” he had advised. And, as expected, his Bronny’s father didn’t take it too lightly.

Ahead of the team’s clash with the New York Knicks on March 6, James caught hold of his son’s critic. Videos captured the superstar angrily talking to Smith—possibly warning him. Soon after, the ESPN veteran revealed how the father had said, “Stop f—ing with my son. That’s my f—ing son. Stop f—ing with my son.” The broadcaster even appeared somewhat apologetic as he described the incident, before aiming a pointed attack at the NBA star earlier this week. However, just days later, he’s already turning over a new leaf—this time making sure his appreciation reaches the 4X NBA Champion. Notably, the latest revelation came amid the Lakers struggling while lacking three starters (James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes) owing to injuries.

“They’re a shell of themselves right now,” Smith began on First Take on March 13 after the team’s fourth straight loss—this time, against the Denver Nuggets (126-131) on March 14. “Considering the way LeBron has played and the way Luka [Doncic] has been coming on, the combination of the two changes everything in terms of the fortunes for the Los Angeles Lakers. With those two on the court together healthy, there is no question that the Lakers can get to the Western Conference Finals. Without a doubt,” he said before making a major admission about James’ talent: “But without LeBron James, at age 40 in his 22nd season, which is just a testament to his greatness…we see how the Los Angeles Lakers look.”

Even at 40, King James’ output is surreal. Moreover, with a passing wizard-like Luka Magic by his side, James can deploy himself defensively. His high activity and off-ball reads are key to Redick’s plans. In addition, he can do the same things Luka Doncic can do in terms of organizing the Lakers. But after him being sidelined owing to a left groin strain sustained during the Lakers’ 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics, the team has become slightly predictable. Doncic could only record 3 assists tonight with 6 turnovers. No Laker surpassed that number against the Bucks, due to the absence of the high motor and defensive attention that James draws.

Interestingly, this comes days after Smith had called James confronting him as “weak” and “bullsh-t”. But he didn’t stop there, doubling down with, “Rather than come up to me at courtside, all you had to do was say, “Yo, I need to see you after the game,”‘ he fumed. ‘You didn’t do that s***. You said you’re f****ng with my son. No I wasn’t! I was talking about you! ‘It wasn’t about your son. I know he’s number 55. I know he got work to do. I believe that he’s got the potential and by the way, I’m rooting for him. I ain’t rooting against nobody! But I was talking about your a**! You! You did this!” Well, now that Smith has indicated there’s no bad blood between the two, let’s get back to business again…

Apart from James, Rui Huchimura was also a no-show for the last seven games with a left knee injury. Jaxson Hayes, on the other hand, is also dealing with a knee injury. Still, JJ Redick isn’t citing injuries to find a way out. He does admit it’s a “challenge”. But he sees “compete and execute” as the formula to survive the Lakers’ injury-riddled spell. They still have Luka Doncic, who scored 45 points in the loss to the Bucks. But still, as long as one Akron Hammer remains on the sidelines, major trouble brews.

However, there’s also another downside to James not playing. It doesn’t concern the four-time MVP much, but he has dropped to 8th in the MVP standing. He was in the top 5 as per the last update. But that aside, the Lakers aren’t struggling because only James is absent.

The Lakers are the work of a committee

One of the huge reasons the Los Angeles Lakers thoroughly improved after the trade deadline is evidently because of Luka Doncic. And without question, the Slovenian guard has been a wonderful addition. However, it was also hugely because of their intense defense, which regularly broke down the opponent’s plays.

At the very core of it could be three guys. Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes. Currently, they are without two of their defensive energizers. When Hayes and Hachimura combine with Doncic, the Lakers outscore their opponents by an average of 4.5 points per game!

Hayes, although not a shot blocker, is a highly active center who thrives in Redick’s defensive settings of regular switches. He is mobile and quick and is one of the Lakers’ best stretches ranked as the best defensive center in the league. On the other hand, Rui Hachimura has missed the last seven games. The three he played in, the Lakers were 18 points superior to their opponents in every game. So you get the depth they bring to the side. His two-way presence gives the Lakers a solid defensive unit. The crucial aspect of his game, though, is to supply as a 41% three-point shooter that helps passers such as Doncic and LeBron James. Of course, having a player who can assert himself, such as James, can prove to be a game-changer.

In his 22nd season, he may not be as fast, but he is still quick. Moreover, his size and strength allow for the Lakers to play without a heavily built center. However, alluding just his absence alone doesn’t do justice to the Lakers’ team effort. The reason they prevailed since Luka Doncic joined is due to their team synergy. Everything operated within a smooth flow.

Luckily, at least Hachimura and James should be returning to the lineup soon. Hayes’ timeline is still undetermined as he deals with a knee contusion. But once the trio does join the team, Laker Nation can expect a great quality of basketball with rejuvenated hopes for the postseason.