FIRST TAKE | “THIS IS A CHAMPIONSHIP LINEUP!” STEPHEN A. ON LAKERS’ NEW STARTING FIVE – LAKERS NEWS
Stephen A. Smith has done it again — and this time, he’s not holding back. On today’s explosive episode of First Take, the fiery ESPN analyst sent shockwaves through the NBA world with one bold declaration: “This is a CHAMPIONSHIP lineup!”
He’s talking, of course, about the Los Angeles Lakers’ newly revealed starting five, a unit that has fans screaming and rivals panicking. With Damian Lillard at point, Austin Reaves at the two, LeBron James commanding the wing, Anthony Davis locking down the paint, and newly signed Claxton/Wiggins (sources vary) rounding out the core, this squad isn’t just stacked — it’s dangerous.
Stephen A. didn’t mince words: “If this group stays healthy, I don’t care who you are — Boston, Denver, Milwaukee — you are in TROUBLE.”
Fans are already losing their minds:
— “This is the best Lakers lineup since Kobe and Shaq.”
— “Steph better be watching. Curry vs Dame is back.”
— “If they don’t win a title, it’s a disaster. Plain and simple.”
Insiders say the energy inside the Lakers facility is electric. Practices have turned into battles. The chemistry is building. The hunger is real.
One thing is clear: the Lakers aren’t waiting for the playoffs to make noise — they’re making statements now. This isn’t a rebuild. This is a reckoning.