The Los Angeles Lakers open the post-LeBron James era on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, rebuilt around Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and new center Walker Kessler. Analyst Stephen A. Smith already has a ceiling in mind for the new-look roster.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Los Angeles Lakers’ Core Without LeBron James

Smith made the prediction on ESPN Los Angeles while talking with ESPN Radio host Steve Mason, and he doubled down: “Trip to the Western Conference semifinals. That’s about it. I can’t see the Los Angeles Lakers getting any further than that. Matter of fact, I’d be proud of them if they got that far.”

Smith’s concerns start with how that core fits on both ends of the floor: “I don’t think Luka Dončić with Austin Reaves as the backcourt is going to scare anybody defensively. I don’t think Walker Kessler is going to scare anybody offensively.”

The regular season doesn’t look much better to him. “I don’t even think about the Lakers until I get to the fifth seed of the Western Conference. And even then, it might be pushing it,” Smith added.

For Smith, it all comes back to the four-time NBA champion who left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers.

“In the end, I see the Lakers moving in a different direction. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a better direction. In a perfect world, you grab Walker Kessler, you re-sign Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, and you still should have kept LeBron James there. That was something they were unable to do. I find it very difficult to imagine that the Lakers are going to be better off without LeBron James.”

Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 58 games for the Utah Jazz in 2024-25, but he played just five games last season before a left shoulder labral tear shut him down in early November.

In that stretch, he averaged 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting and hit 6 of 8 from 3-point range after making 11 of 56 in his first three seasons.

The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Jazz in July for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the center’s new contract at four years and $130 million. Meanwhile, Reaves reportedly agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal to stay.

James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, officially signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 26 after eight seasons with the Lakers. The deal is reportedly worth $8 million with a player option in the second year.

The 41-year-old made his 22nd All-Star Game last season and averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games for the Lakers.