On Sunday, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers got a taste of what life will be like over the next few weeks. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both sat out for the first time after sustaining major injuries. Both stars have been ruled out for the rest of the regular season.
James did all he could for L.A., going off for 30 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists against the Dallas Mavericks. The shorthanded Lakers had no answer for Cooper Flagg, though, who exploded for 45 points, leading Dallas to a 134-128 win.
Stephen A. Smith watched the Mavs dismantle James and Co. This led the renowned ESPN analyst to make a harsh assessment of what this season holds for the Lakers.
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Smith needed just one game to determine the Lakers’ title odds this season without Doncic and Reaves.
"They're going home—and they're going home in April," Smith said of the Lakers. "There’s no Luka, no AR, and the Lakers are going home in April.”
Smith pointed out that the Lakers “couldn’t stop a cold” against the Mavs on Sunday. He praised James’ exceptional effort, but also hit the Lakers with a harsh reality check.
"You can’t ask LeBron, who was exceptional yet again [against the Mavs], to turn around and carry the load as a number one option at the age of 41 in his 23rd season—which obviously he is now that Luka and AR are out. There’s only so much you can ask,” Smith stated.
“… I think that in order for the Lakers to have any shot, [Doncic and Reaves] have to be back somewhere midway through the first round for the Lakers to pull this off. Otherwise, the Lakers—I’m giving them zero, I repeat zero, chance of getting out of the first round, which means this season ends this month."
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on Sunday that both Doncic and Reaves are doing what they can to get ready for the NBA playoffs. It’s going to be a big ask considering their respective injuries. However, as Smith pointed out, the Lakers don’t stand a chance if they don’t come back.
