Stephen A. Smith calls out Lakers owner Jeanie Buss over disastrous season

“Here’s where we have to do the unthinkable, the uncomfortable, what we don’t like the most,” he said.

“And that’s holding the wonderful Jeanie Buss accountable. Because why in the hell is anybody whose last name is Rambis, relevant when it comes to basketball decisions?

“I challenge anybody in America, anybody in the world, that knows anything about basketball, to tell me one nugget of justification that Rambis, anybody named Rambis, should have something to do with making basketball decisions.”

Smith didn’t stop there, though.

“Especially Linda Rambis. I mean, at least we got something to point to when it comes to Kurt Rambis. You were a champion as a player. Not much as a coach, damn sure not much as an executive, but at least you played and won championships. What the hell has Linda Rambis done in the world of basketball to be on the phone with agents and other people trying to make basketball decisions? That is an international basketball travesty.”

It’s hard to argue with Smith’s central thesis.

Buss’ management of the nightmare that has been this Lakers’ season has evoked a lot of ire from fans and casual observers alike. 

Some tough decisions will need to be made this summer. Obviously Buss won't go anywhere, but her inner circle most definitely can.

Will Buss do what’s necessary to restore some semblance of respect to a once proud franchise? Time will tell.