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Kenny Smith reveals why LA hasn’t taken LeBron James for granted
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- Kenny Smith reveals why LA hasn’t taken LeBron James for granted
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In the days following the Los Angeles Lakers ’ elimination from the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder , the major storyline has revolved around what LeBron James is going to do next. There’s been no shortage of reports and rumors with some suggesting that the Lakers have taken James’ presence on the team for granted . But count former NBA player turned analyst Kenny Smith as one who isn’t buying it.
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During an appearance on ‘First Take,’ Kenny Smith used his own experiences in both college and the NBA to help him explain why he doesn’t believe the Lakers have taken LeBron James for granted since he originally joined the team back in 2018.
“In college I played with Michael Jordan, and in the NBA with Hakeem Olajuwon. Never, ever in their tenures that I played with them, did I ever hear the words ‘my team,’ or ‘taken for granted.’ Because the things that they worried about were not cookies,” Smith said. “It just wasn’t cookies, or seats on the plane, or seats in the stands or where they go.
“So if you ask me if the Lakers take him [LeBron] for granted, I would say no. When he wanted Anthony Davis to be there, someone that could help him win a championship, they went out and figured out a way to get him. When they needed to make another trade and brought Luka Doncic into the fold, they did it. When they needed Rui Hachimura , a guy who could be at small forward, and when they need to draft your son, they did it.”
Smith went on to say that while Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has garnered plenty of flak from outside voices, that he’s continued to make moves to keep the Lakers relevant alongside James.
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James is heading into unrestricted free agency this offseason and has yet to decide if he wants to still continue his career or not.
Related: Why Paul Pierce thinks LeBron James should retire
Related: 3 best Luke Kennard free agent destinations after Lakers playoff breakout
