NBA analyst Kenny Smith has weighed in after the Los Angeles Lakers learned that LeBron James would not return for the 2026-27 season.
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The two-time NBA champion, who now works as an analyst on Inside the NBA, provided the comments to TMZ at the airport. He expressed the opinion that this team will reach the playoffs but will fall short of the NBA title.
"This is a competitive team, but not a championship team yet," Smith told the outlet. "LeBron James makes them a championship team."
James spent eight seasons in Los Angeles (2018-26), earning All-Star honors each season. He led the team to the NBA title in 2019-20, and he competed in the playoffs in six of these seasons.
The 2025-26 season featured conflicting reports about James' future in the league. Some reports indicated that he would retire after one last season with the Lakers. Other reports indicated that he would sign with another team to chase a fifth ring.
James ultimately provided an answer after the Lakers exited the playoffs in the Western Conference Semifinals. His agent confirmed that the 22-time All-Star would choose to enter free agency instead of returning to the Lakers.
This became an amicable split, as both the team and James released statements raving about their time together and all of the success.
While questions have continued to circulate about his next team, the Lakers have made some roster moves to reinforce the lineup.
Los Angeles signed Austin Reaves to a contract extension worth $185 million. This will keep him in the lineup next to Luka Doncic. The team also acquired Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes.
This new-look team will likely remain competitive in the Western Conference, and it will possibly return to the playoffs. The strength of the conference and the overall health of the team will both play roles. Smith just doesn't expect the group to contend for a title.
