Stephen A. Smith asserts that the Los Angeles Lakers pose a larger menace than Memphis Grizzlies this season.
On Friday, October 11, “First Take” took their present on the street to Tennessee State College, internet hosting a reside broadcast. Through the occasion, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe participated in a reside Q&A with TSU college students.
Through the question-and-answer session, a scholar claimed the Grizzlies had been a much bigger menace within the West than the Lakers and requested Stephen A. Smith his opinion on the topic. Smith countered the scholar’s assertion, giving three causes for his disagreement.
Stephen A. Smith believes Los Angeles Lakers are a much bigger menace than Memphis Grizzlies
“I’ll say no, they don’t seem to be a much bigger menace than the Los Angeles Lakers. I feel LeBron goes to proceed to do his factor, I feel Anthony Davis goes to proceed to do his factor. I feel JJ Redick goes to shock lots of people together with his excellent efficiency as a coach,” replied Stephen A. Smith.
Following their second straight NBA playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers have opted to half methods with head coach Darvin Ham and rent former NBA sharpshooter J.J. Redick.
After the Lakers introduced JJ Redick as their new head coach, media members and followers shortly voiced their opinions on social media, questioning the selection of somebody with no prior teaching expertise. Regardless of the blended reactions, Lakers gamers expressed nothing however enthusiasm and admiration for the arrival of Redick.
Final season, it grew to become clear that there was a disconnect between Darvin Ham and sure gamers on the roster. When information of his dismissal broke, not a single participant took to social media to touch upon his departure, underscoring their views on him as a coach.
With JJ Redick on the helm, the Lakers take pleasure in the advantage of having a real basketball savant within the locker room. A self-proclaimed basketball fanatic, Redick has already dedicated to implementing important recreation plan adjustments. Since being employed final summer season, he has diligently constructed a system that maximizes every participant’s distinctive skillset.
Given the wealth of gifted groups within the Western Convention, predicting the extent of success of all 30 groups has grow to be more and more troublesome. This season, with many variables in play, it is tougher than ever to gauge how the Lakers will carry out towards top-tier competitors.
Stephen A. additionally claims Ja Morant can have an enormous comeback season
Though Stephen A. Smith does not view the Grizzlies as a much bigger menace, he does acknowledge that one Memphis participant is poised to seize the league’s consideration once more.
“Ja Morant goes to wreak havoc,” Smith added. “I imply, this brother goes to come back again on stage this yr. It can do very important harm. He will harm lots of people across the league, reminding everybody who he’s.
Morant solely performed in 9 video games final season. He started the 2023-24 marketing campaign with a 25-game suspension earlier than lastly making his season debut. From December 19 to January 5, he appeared in 9 of the Grizzlies’ ten video games.
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His season ended prematurely resulting from a torn labrum in his proper shoulder, which required surgical procedure.
Final yr, the Grizzlies and Lakers confronted off in a four-game collection, with Los Angeles asserting its dominance by successful three of the matchups. The one loss got here on January 5, which was notably the one recreation of the 2023-24 season that Ja Morant performed towards them.
On this recreation, he had 21 factors, seven rebounds and 7 assists, in addition to a steal and a block. His contributions propelled the Grizzlies to a 14-point victory over the Lakers, with a last rating of 127-113. Sadly, after that recreation, Morant suffered an harm throughout a crew follow that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
What the Lakers and Grizzlies have to be critical contenders
Morant is an important piece for the Grizzlies in the event that they goal to surpass the Lakers or some other crew within the West. His athleticism, playmaking capacity, and elite scoring make him one of the vital thrilling skills within the league. Nevertheless, for him to have a big influence, he should stay wholesome.
Conversely, LeBron James, at 39 years previous, should keep the management and influence he has demonstrated all through his 21-year profession. As he embarks on the dream of taking part in alongside Bronny this season, LeBron will likely be extra decided than ever to carry out at his finest and foster a tradition that elevates the play of all the crew.
