Stephen A. Smith questions Lakers' prospects amid white player roster

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 11, 2026, 1:30 PM

Last updated Nov 11, 2026

Stephen A. Smith questions Lakers' prospects amid white player roster
Summary

Stephen A. Smith expressed skepticism about the Los Angeles Lakers' championship potential during a recent episode of his show. Despite the Lakers starting the season strong at 10-2, featuring Luka Dončić's league-leading performance, Smith raised concerns regarding the racial makeup of the team's top players. With Dončić, Walker Kessler, and Austin Reaves forming the team's core, Smith highlighted that no NBA team with its top three players being white has ever won a championship. He pointed to the need for diverse success, referencing historical teams and the current competition in the league. Looking ahead, he stated he would be shocked if the Lakers advanced past the second round of the playoffs this season.

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Status Watch
  • •Lakers are 10-2 to start the 2026-27 NBA season.
  • •Luka Dončić is averaging 39.3 points per game.
  • •Smith notes historical trends regarding team demographics and championships.
  • •Smith predicts Lakers may struggle in the playoffs, not advancing past the second round.
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  • 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith skeptical of Lakers’ title chances because top three players are white
What they're saying
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This July, the Los Angeles Lakers closed the LeBron James chapter—well, LeBron James chose to go to Philadelphia—and officially ushered in the Luka Dončić era. The Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and re-signed Austin Reaves, forming a Big 3, if you dare call it that, of Dončić, Kessler, and Reaves. At the…

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