Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Stephen A Smith Calls Out LeBron James for Feelings Over Lakers, Luka Doncic

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 1:30 PM ET

There has been a lot of drama surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Most of it has centered around LeBron James and his feelings towards management.

James doesn't seem to like that the Lakers have started to build the team around Luka Doncic, despite the fact that he is the future of the franchise.

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After signing Doncic to a three-year extension, they clearly have him in mind as the face of the franchise. One NBA pundit believes James needs to get over the fact rather quickly.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith thinks LeBron James needs to get over the fact Doncic is the Lakers' superstar

While speaking on Gil's Arena, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith outlined why James needs to get over his pettiness rather quickly.

"They got new blood. A cat that's going to be the face of the franchise for the next decade, where he's contemplating walking away from the game in the next year or two," Smith said. "Last time I checked, that's business. Secondly, it's pretty hard to be insulted when you're being paid $52 million for one year's work. So you need to get over that."

Smith simply thinks that James is getting paid plenty of money to suck it up and get over the fact that the Lakers have started building around someone else.

James also has a chance to opt out of his contract after this season if he continues to be upset with how things are going in Los Angeles. He can go to another team if he so chooses.

More news: Former Lakers Center Heaps Praise on Luka Doncic: ‘One Of The Best Players I’ve Ever Seen’

LeBron James will likely stay with the Lakers this season despite his unhappiness

Even though James isn't thrilled with how things are being handled, he will likely stay with the Lakers this season. He has never asked for a trade since he has been in the league, and likely won't start now.

The Lakers have been steadfast in the fact that they are not interested in trading James. He has a no-trade clause, so James would have to approve any destination he would wind up in.

It's more likely that James and Doncic try to win a championship together this season.