Stephen A. Smith Says LeBron James ‘Did His Job’ as Lakers’ Playoff Problems Continue to Mount

Stephen A. Smith questions the Los Angeles Lakers’ ability to compete at the highest level despite LeBron James’ efforts, using boxing analogies and sharp criticism to break down the team’s postseason struggles.

Surbhi Khera
May 8, 2026
4 min read

Stephen A. Smith Says LeBron James ‘Did His Job’ as Lakers’ Playoff Problems Continue to Mount — Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The postseason pressure is beginning to expose the cracks within the Los Angeles Lakers roster as the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to assert complete control over the matchup. From costly turnovers to injuries affecting key players, the imbalance between the two sides has become increasingly difficult to ignore.

While the Lakers still have the experience of veterans like LeBron James, questions surrounding depth and consistency are now taking center stage. The conversation has also shifted toward whether the current supporting cast is capable of matching the intensity and rhythm of a younger, more complete Thunder squad.

During a recent breakdown on First Take, Stephen A. Smith used sharp analogies and blunt observations to explain why the series feels far more one-sided than the scoreboard alone suggests. He spoke at length of the team struggling to slow down an opponent that appears fully in control.

The discussion eventually moved beyond simple statistics, shifting toward questions of mentality, momentum. As the comparison turned to a relentless fighter inside the ring, it further highlighted just how daunting the matchup has become for Los Angeles.

1. Stephen A. Smith calls LeBron James a ‘one-man show’ amid Lakers’ collapse

Speaking on the Los Angeles Lakers during First Take, Stephen A. Smith pointed directly at the team’s biggest postseason problem, turnovers. He highlighted how the Lakers are averaging nearly 17.7 turnovers per game this postseason, calling it the worst mark among playoff teams. Smith also touched on the roster issues hurting Los Angeles, mentioning Luka Doncic’s absence while noting Austin Reaves still does not look fully recovered from the oblique injury that sidelined him earlier. According to Smith, those setbacks have left the Lakers looking compromised during the most important stretch of the season. Despite the criticism, Smith made it clear that LeBron James was not the problem. Praising the veteran forward’s effort, he stated that ‘LeBron James did his job,’ before adding that the Lakers star has effectively become ‘a one-man show.’ Smith further argued that such an approach ‘is not going to work against the reigning defending NBA champions,’ especially with James carrying the responsibility deep into his 23rd NBA season. He added that while the 41-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, the Lakers simply do not have enough around him right now.

2. Lakers’ struggles to a fighter being ‘Walked Down’, claims Stephen Smith

As the discussion continued, Stephen A. Smith turned to a boxing analogy to explain just how overwhelmed the Lakers looked during the matchup. He described the situation as being in the ring with someone who keeps ‘walking you down’ no matter what punches are thrown. According to Smith, the Lakers could throw* ‘a jab,’ ‘a hook,’ or even ‘a haymaker*,’ but nothing seemed capable of slowing the opposition. He said the team looked completely helpless against an opponent that simply ‘kept coming’ without showing any concern. Smith then compared the moment to the iconic heavyweight bout between Larry Holmes and Tex Cobb, recalling how Cobb absorbed everything and ‘just smiled’ while continuing to move forward. The analogy, according to Smith, perfectly captured the mental edge the opposition held over Los Angeles throughout the game. He ultimately concluded that the Lakers never truly looked capable of changing the outcome because they lacked the necessary personnel and consistency. Smith added that even this version of their opponent did not appear to be at full strength, warning that things could become significantly worse if they eventually reached their ‘A game.’

3. Lakers fade after fast start as Thunder’s depth overwhelms LeBron James

Despite opening the game with an early 7-0 run, the Lakers quickly lost momentum as the defending champions settled into rhythm before halftime. Oklahoma City recovered strongly to take a 61-53 lead into the break, gradually turning the game into another physically dominant showing. The Lakers’ offense completely stalled in the second half, managing just 37 points as the opposition tightened defensively and controlled the pace of the game. The collapse further reinforced Stephen A. Smith’s earlier point about Los Angeles lacking enough support around LeBron James during crucial playoff moments. James still delivered individually, finishing with 27 points on an efficient shooting night. However, Austin Reaves endured one of the roughest playoff performances of his career, scoring only eight points while shooting just 3-of-16 from the field, the lowest playoff shooting percentage by a Lakers player in 35 years with at least 15 attempts. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren led the defending champions with a commanding 24-point, 12-rebound double-double, while the team’s overall depth and 43.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc proved decisive. The night became even worse for Los Angeles after Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome dislocated pinkie finger injury in the second quarter and was unable to return.