VIDEO: Stephen A. Smith Harshly Criticizes LeBron James' Play in Season Opener vs Clippers
By Karl Rasmussen
The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to prove they're the team to beat in LA when they matched up with the Clippers to tip off the NBA season Tuesday night. Unfortunately, things didn't go to plan for LeBron and Co., as the Lakers lost 112-102. In the aftermath of the game, some were critical of James' performance, but perhaps no one had as harsh an assessment as ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. The prolific analyst sounded off on "First Take" going on a rant about LeBron's apparent lack of aggression.
Smith made some sound points here, noting how James seemed more interested in passing the ball than attacking the basket. And when he did dish it out, it seems like he only ever had two targets in mind: Anthony Davis and Danny Green.
While Stephen A. offered a fair assessment of James' defense, which was surprisingly good, he continued to rip The King for his ineffectiveness on the attack.
Smith was likewise critical of LeBron's pre-game antics, including the return of his chalk toss. James finished the game with 18 points on 7-for-19 shooting, adding 9 rebounds and 8 assists. He knocked down just one 3-pointer on five attempts.
Smith went as far as to suggest that James wasn't even a top five player on the court last night. He conversely credited Kawhi Leonard for showing up in a big way in his Clippers debut.
The Lakers will surely be disappointed to have lost their season opener, but no one was less impressed with the game than Stephen A.