LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers seem poised to return to the promised land after the massive retooling they did in free agency. However if you ask Stephen A. Smith, he's still going with Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets.
On Twitter, Smith did only pick the Nets to win over the Lakers in a seven-game series, but he also hailed Durant as the best player in the world right now. Smith emphasized Durant's scoring and improved defense why he is taking the Slim Reaper over the likes of LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 13, 2021
His defense has improved and he's one of the top-3 scorers in the History of Basketball. Is that clear enough? https://t.co/61piuzOMP3
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 13, 2021
The Lakers really look good on paper after they traded for Russell Westbrook to pair up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and form a new NBA Big 3. Not to mention that they've added more depth with Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk and Kent Bazemore joining them on cheap contracts.
As for Kevin Durant and the Nets, however, they still have their potent Big 3 with Kyrie Irving and James Harden joining KD. They also signed Patty Mills in free agency and re-signed Blake Griffin to make sure they have enough depth to compete in the playoffs.
Stephen A. Smith's take is understandable, though. After all, the Nets are younger and have long been considered as the best team in the NBA. In fact, some are arguing they would have won the East and the Larry O'Brien trophy in 2021 had they stayed healthy.
Nonetheless, Stephen A. better not underestimate LeBron and the Lakers. Besides, if there is one thing fans have learned over the past decade or so, it's to never underestimate a LeBron-led team.
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