Stephen A. Smith Speaks Out on What Lakers Will 'Never Admit' About LeBron James
Several top Los Angeles Lakers officials have declared their desire to have LeBron James back next season following the team's exit from the 2026 playoffs. Co-owner Jeanie Buss said so. President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka also said he wants to run it back with James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
For now, Pelinka is allowing James time to think things through. He said he is giving the four-time champion some time off out of respect for the superstar.
The Lakers and King James appear to be on the same page. However, hot-take commentator Stephen A. Smith believes otherwise. The outspoken analyst is trying to foment intrigue by claiming that the two parties are not seeing eye to eye.
Smith, who has often been critical of LeBron, said the Lakers' relationship with the superstar has grown strained, stemming from the unfiltered podcast appearances of his friend and agent, Rich Paul, who has criticized the franchise.
Paul took a shot at the Lakers earlier this season, saying the team does not have enough to reach the Western Conference Finals. He also said last month that LA should be "delighted" to have James because they will not find another player like him.
Rich Paul says the Lakers should be delighted LeBron decided to play for them
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 25, 2026
"When you have a player like LeBron James, you keep that guy a part of your organization. The Lakers should be delighted that he played them, number 1. Also, they should be doing everything they can… pic.twitter.com/PTppFOVPbL
Smith suggested the Lakers did not appreciate Paul's comments and that, contrary to the public statements made by Pelinka and Buss, the front office does not like James.
"Have the Lakers taken LeBron James for granted? Sure. But let's put it where the ghost can get it Perk. They don't particularly like him," Smith said in his First Take show.
"That's what this is about. They'll never admit that."
Smith then went off and called James the greatest manipulator.
"He is one of the greatest manipulators of narratives we've ever seen. There's very few people on planet earth more skilled and committed to controlling narratives than him."
James is 41 years old and will enter his 24th season by October in case he decides he won' retire yet. Questions about his salary and role with the team will also have to be answered.
For now, he does not know his next step. He said shortly after getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder that he will recalibrate and talk to his family.
Related: What Does LeBron James' Future Hold?
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 9:12 PM.