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Quick Bytes
- The Boston Celtics clinch their 18th NBA Championship, surpassing the Lakers.
- ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith argues the Lakers remain the NBA’s top franchise.
- Lakers have more NBA Finals appearances and sustained relevance than Celtics.
- D’Angelo Russell’s free agency options may be limited, with Orlando Magic not offering big money.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Stands by Lakers as NBA’s Finest
In a recent debate sparked by the Boston Celtics’ 18th NBA Championship win, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has passionately defended the Los Angeles Lakers as the NBA’s premier franchise. Despite the Celtics’ recent victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Smith cites the Lakers’ enduring presence and consistent contention in the league as key factors in his assessment.
Smith points out that the Lakers boast a greater number of NBA Finals appearances and have captured more championships since the NBA/ABA merger in 1977. With iconic eras like Magic Johnson’s Showtime in the ’80s and Kobe Bryant’s dominance in the 2000s, the Lakers have maintained a high profile in the basketball world. Even after Kobe’s retirement, the team’s star power continued with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading them to a championship in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell faces a pivotal offseason. Expected to decline a $18.6 million player option, Russell may find his free agency prospects less lucrative than anticipated, with the Orlando Magic reportedly hesitant to match his current salary. This development adds another layer of intrigue to the Lakers’ offseason strategies as they aim to reclaim their championship contender status.
Image Credits
- Getty Images: The Los Angeles Lakers in action on the basketball court.
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