Stephen A. Smith blasts Lakers after LeBron James leaves for having “a bunch of white dudes” for their core, saying this is basketball and not golf or baseball [VIDEO]
The ESPN personality questioned the viability of a Lakers team led by Dončić, Reaves and Kessler
Stephen A. Smith has ignited a firestorm after questioning the Los Angeles Lakers’ direction following their acquisition of Walker Kessler, asking “Where the hell do the Los Angeles Lakers think they going with a bunch of white dudes?” The 4-minute, 40-second clip, posted by @NBA__Courtside, shows Smith delivering an animated monologue about the team’s new core of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Kessler.
The rant, which has already amassed over 4.4 million views, came amid the early 2026 NBA free-agency period after LeBron James departed the Lakers. Smith acknowledged the trio’s individual talent but questioned the viability of a team “led by” them in the current era of the NBA, stating: “You ain’t scaring anybody with that.”
Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Monologue
The video shows Stephen A. seated in his studio with the city skyline backdrop and brick pillars with purple neon lighting. Wearing a white hoodie, he speaks directly into a large black microphone, delivering an extended monologue with emphatic gestures and direct eye contact. On-screen graphics include show branding and a lower-third banner referencing the Lakers’ acquisition of Kessler.
Smith’s core statement is direct and unfiltered: “I just gotta say it y’all. Where the hell [do] the Los Angeles Lakers think they going with a bunch of white dudes? Somebody had to say it so I’m saying it. Your three top players are white dudes? Really? This ain’t golf. This ain’t baseball. Hell, it ain’t even soccer.”
He continues: “In NBA history, when have you seen your three most prominent players on a basketball team all be white and that takes you to the promised land? … You ain’t going anywhere being led by three white dudes in today’s generation of basketball.” He explicitly names Dončić, Reaves and Kessler, acknowledging their individual talent while questioning the viability of the trio as a championship core.
The Lakers’ Roster Moves That Prompted the Rant
The rant occurred shortly after the Lakers executed a sign-and-trade to acquire restricted free-agent center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. In exchange, the Jazz received unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 plus first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler signed a four-year, $130 million contract as part of the deal.
The acquisition addressed the Lakers’ center needs after LeBron James’ departure. The new projected core of Dončić, Reaves and Kessler represents a significant shift in the team’s identity. Dončić is a Slovenian superstar and multiple-time MVP candidate. Reaves is an American guard who developed from undrafted prospect to high-level starter. Kessler is a 24-year-old American center known for elite shot-blocking and rim protection.
The visual shift in the Lakers’ projected starting lineup post-LeBron has not gone unnoticed by the masses. The team also signed or retained players including Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton as of press time.
The 1980s Boston Celtics and 2020s Denver Nuggets that Stephen A. Ignored
Smith’s comments about white players leading championship teams have drawn immediate comparisons to NBA history. The 1980s Boston Celtics won multiple championships with a core that included Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Danny Ainge – three white players who dominated the league. Bird is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Current stars such as Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets have also led their teams to championships. Jokić, a white Serbian center, has won multiple MVP awards and an NBA Finals MVP. Dončić himself has been a top-three MVP candidate and is considered one of the league’s elite players. Additionally, this goes without mentioning the Dallas Mavericks teams led by Dirk Nowitzki in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Lakers’ new core also includes significant talent regardless of race. Dončić is a generational offensive player. Reaves has proven himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. Kessler is an elite defender who addresses the team’s frontcourt needs. Smith’s dismissal of the trio’s potential has been criticized as overlooking their individual achievements.
Stephen A. Smith’s Comments Ignited a Firestorm on X
On X, many users accused Stephen A. Smith of racism or double standards. One user wrote, “Imagine a white guy on TV saying this about Black players in a predominantly Black league,” while another stated, “This is racist. … We should have white commentators saying this about Black players in other sports.”
References to historical precedent appeared frequently. “Larry Bird Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge three badass White dudes,” one user wrote. Another noted, “2 of the current top 3 players in the league are white, but you niggas ain’t ready for that conversation.” The comparisons to Bird’s Celtics and Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets dominated the discourse.
Some replies called out Smith’s perceived inconsistency. “I’m old enough to remember when you accused the NBA of ‘whitening’ the league @stephenasmith,” one user wrote. “You aren’t even hiding your racism at this point.” Another commented, “That’s a very idiotic comment to bring racism into basketball.”
Criticism of Smith’s commentary style appeared throughout the thread. “Always about race with this low IQ clown,” one user wrote, while another commented, “Stephen A has become a full blown pandering BLM racist.” A few replies defended Smith, treating it as “somebody had to say it” truth-telling or noting that sports success is ultimately about winning.
Race Debates and NBA Roster Construction
Stephen A. Smith’s comments have reignited discussions about race and roster construction in the NBA. The league is approximately 70-74% Black, with international players (many of whom are white) increasingly prominent. The Lakers’ new core reflects this shift, with two international players (Dončić and Kessler) and one American (Reaves).
The debate touches on whether race matters in evaluating team success. Critics argue that talent, not race, determines championship potential. Supporters of Smith’s comments suggest that racial composition can affect team dynamics or marketability. However, the historical success of white-led teams like Bird’s Celtics and Jokić’s Nuggets complicates this argument.
The Lakers’ front office has emphasized building around Dončić, a generational talent who has proven he can lead a team to the Finals. Reaves has developed into a reliable starter, and Kessler addresses a positional need. The team’s success will ultimately be determined by performance on the court rather than the racial composition of its roster.
Final Thoughts: More Backlash for Stephen A.
Stephen A. Smith has not issued a formal statement addressing the backlash. The Lakers have not commented on his remarks. The team is focused on building around its new core for the 2026-27 season.
The debate over race and roster construction is unlikely to be resolved by any single comment. However, Smith’s remarks have become a flashpoint for broader discussions about how race is discussed in sports media. The intensity of the reaction reflects the sensitivity of the topic and the power of Smith’s platform.
The Lakers’ new core will face scrutiny throughout the upcoming season. Dončić, Reaves and Kessler have the talent to compete at a high level. Whether they can lead the Lakers to championship contention remains to be seen, but their performance will ultimately determine the success of the team’s new direction.