ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has ignited a firestorm of criticism after mocking the Los Angeles Lakers for having too many white players on their roster, questioning whether a team led by three white stars can succeed in the NBA. During a segment on his podcast, Smith specifically targeted the team's recent trade for center Walker Kessler, which would pair him with guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
«Where the hell the Los Angeles Lakers think they are going with a bunch of White dudes?» Smith asked. «Your three top players are White dudes. Really? This is basketball.» He then posed a rhetorical question: «In NBA history, when has a team led by three White dudes ever gone to the promised land? Somebody gotta say it.»
Smith's comments have drawn sharp rebukes from critics who accuse him of engaging in anti-white bigotry. OutKick, which first reported the remarks, noted that Smith's own network, ESPN, has previously championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. The outlet also pointed out that Smith has long argued that the NFL has overlooked Black candidates for coaching and front-office positions due to racial bias, yet here he is reducing athletes to their race.
Critics also highlighted the factual inaccuracy of Smith's claim. Luka Dončić led the NBA in scoring last season with 33.5 points per game, Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 points, and Walker Kessler averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds. While this trio may not match the star power of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, it compares favorably with the top three players on many NBA teams, including those led by three Black players.
Moreover, the notion that white players are inherently inferior no longer holds up in today's NBA. Nikola Jokić, widely regarded as the best player in the league, is white. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is white. WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who has drawn massive attention to women's basketball, is also white. Smith's remarks suggest a discomfort with the increasing presence of white stars in a league historically dominated by Black athletes.
Smith is not alone in expressing such views. Other prominent sports media figures, including Kendrick Perkins, Jemele Hill, Monica McNutt, and Gilbert Arenas, have made similar comments suggesting unease with white players in basketball. The pattern has led to accusations of a double standard, where racial remarks targeting white athletes are tolerated while similar comments about Black athletes would likely result in severe consequences.
OutKick also noted that Smith's comments come at a time when his show, «First Take,» has been struggling in the ratings compared to other ESPN programming, such as «The Pat McAfee Show.» The outlet suggested that uninformed, low-IQ commentary like Smith's is a contributing factor to the show's declining viewership. ESPN signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract last year, a deal that some now question given the controversy.
The incident has reignited debate about race and sports media. While some defend Smith's right to free speech, others argue that his comments cross a line into racism. The lack of repercussions for Smith, despite the blatant nature of his remarks, has been cited as evidence of a privilege enjoyed by those who direct racial hostility toward white people.
As of publication, Smith has not responded to requests for comment from OutKick. The network has not issued a statement regarding the controversy. The Lakers, meanwhile, continue to prepare for the upcoming season with their newly assembled roster, which also includes veteran stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom are Black.