‘Inconsiderate’ Stephen A. Smith ‘Should Retire’ After Ripping NBA Players

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Stephen A. Smith is once again making headlines, this time for his blunt take on the Los Angeles Lakers and their injury-plagued roster. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves both sidelined during a critical stretch, the team has been forced to lean heavily on LeBron James, who, at 41 years old, continues to carry the load.

Stephen A. Smith Rips Lakers Over Injury Woes

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That imbalance didn’t sit well with Smith, who sounded off on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“I’m sick and tired of watching this man at age 41 now in his 23rd year… How the hell he healthy and Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ain’t healthy,” Smith said. “When does the shame kick in? I’m just using them as an example to all these NBA players out here. If the man is known as spending a million and a half dollars on his body to keep healthy, right? Why the hell ain’t you doing it?”

Smith Dragged Online After Lakers Rant

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As Smith’s comments continue to circulate, users on X didn’t hold back with their reactions. Some critics took direct aim at the longtime analyst, with one writing, “This old fool who just hates but couldn’t achieve much as a sportsman but hates those who could do it better. Such an idiot, I wonder how your kids look at you when they see you.”

Others pushed back on his take from a player perspective. “This guy doesn’t play basketball so he is very inconsiderate. Injuries happen, they are not toys, they are human beings,” another user wrote.

Meanwhile, frustration with Smith’s on-air style also surfaced. “We are sick and tired of watching him scream on television. He should retire,” someone else added.

LeBron Forced To Carry Lakers Amid Injury Crisis

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The criticism comes at a particularly tense moment for the Lakers. Reports indicate that Dončić is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves is managing a Grade 2 oblique injury, both significant setbacks that have weakened the team’s playoff rotation.

With two key scoring options limited or unavailable, James has been forced to take on an even heavier role offensively and as a leader.

Stephen A. Smith’s Drama With LeBron James

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Smith’s latest comments also arrive amid his complicated history with LeBron James, which extends beyond on-air debates. The analyst has recently suggested that their tension may have involved behind-the-scenes issues that impacted him professionally, though he stopped short of sharing specific details.

The friction between the two escalated following Smith’s commentary about LeBron’s son, Bronny James. During a January episode of “First Take,” Smith argued that Bronny should have spent his rookie season developing in the G League, suggesting he wasn’t ready for the NBA and implying his roster spot may have been influenced by his father’s status.

Those remarks sparked backlash and ultimately led to a tense moment between Smith and LeBron. In March 2025, the NBA superstar confronted Smith courtside during a timeout at a Lakers game, turning what had been a media debate into a very public face-to-face exchange.

Stephen A. Smith Suggests Behind-The-Scenes LeBron Drama

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During a recent interview with Graham Bensinger, Smith suggested that his issues with James may go beyond what fans have seen publicly. “I can’t talk about it, but that’s exactly what I said. And I’ve never talked about it. And I won’t, other than to say I know that to be true. And that is, that’s unfortunate,” Smith said.

He also pointed to a moment involving Pat McAfee’s show as further confirmation of his concerns. “And outside of that, it was validated when he went on Pat McAfee’s show, because you went on the show that comes on after me to talk about me and to disrespect me,” Smith went on. “Tidy white’s on, and he did this and that, and all of this other stuff, and like, ‘Oh, really? So that’s what we doing.’ So, you know, that was validation.”

Despite the tension, Smith made it clear he’s choosing to move forward. “But I’ve known about several things in the past, but I’m beyond all of that,” he said. “Like I said, I’ve moved past it.”

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