Despite reports Thursday that LeBron James would not be involved in the Los Angeles Lakers coaching search, Stephen A. Smith is not buying the narrative James and the Lakers set forth.
The First Take host says the talk of James, who’s been on the Lakers since 2018, not being involved in this search is a bunch of BS.
He pointed out that it’s quite obvious that LeBron James is trying to control the narrative in this situation to make it look like he has nothing to do with Redick’s being at the top of the Lakers’ coaching list, but he isn’t buying into it.
“This is throwing zero shade at JJ Redick,” he stated.” I wish whatever makes JJ happy, I hope he gets it. We always said LeBron James is a master of dictating narratives; what are we supposed to believe when you know good and damn well Davin Ham was on the hot seat and you start a podcast with JJ Redick.”
"We all know JJ Redick is the leading candidate for this job. … Stop the B.S." @stephenasmith speaks on the Lakers head coaching vacancy 😅 pic.twitter.com/TcjY4PxFUX
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 24, 2024
He also pointed out that Redick and James talk about strategy, schemes, and other basketball-related topics on their podcast.
“If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it’s not a mongoose, Stephen A. says. “We know what the hell you doing. We all know JJ Redick is the leading candidate for this job. … Stop the B.S.”
In short, don’t believe the hype that LeBron James will not have a say in who the Lakers’ next head coach is.
