Lebron James’ Biggest Enemy Makes The Mavericks Favorites To Win The NBA Title
When Stephen A. Smith speaks, the NBA listens, especially when his comments involve LeBron James, a man he’s sparred with for years in one of sports media’s most public rivalries. Smith, one of ESPN’s most recognizable personalities, has built a career on sharp opinions, and LeBron has been one of his favorite subjects. Their tension has flared on and off the air.
Smith has claimed that LeBron tried to push him out of ESPN, while LeBron’s camp has often taken issue with Smith’s constant criticism of his leadership and approach to the game. So, when Smith recently named the Dallas Mavericks—not LeBron’s Los Angeles Lakers—as the team most likely to win the 2025–26 NBA title, fans instantly saw it as another shot fired in an ongoing feud.
The Prediction Heard Across The League
On Carmelo Anthony’s 7 p.m. in Brooklyn podcast, Smith confidently made his case. “If Kyrie Irving comes back healthy and Anthony Davis is healthy, I think Dallas should be the favorite to win it all,” he said. That comment immediately put Dallas in the spotlight and pushed the Lakers, led by LeBron and new teammate Luka Dončić, out of the main conversation.
The situation carries an extra layer of irony since Dallas traded Dončić to Los Angeles last season in a blockbuster deal that transformed both teams. For Smith, picking the Mavericks over LeBron’s Lakers showed where he believes the power in the NBA truly lies this year.
Why Dallas Is Suddenly The Team To Beat
Smith’s reasoning centered on structure and health. The Mavericks’ core—Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and rookie standout Cooper Flagg—brings size, experience, and skill that could overwhelm any opponent if everyone stays on the floor.
Davis has returned to his preferred position at power forward, supported by Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in the paint. Irving’s scoring and leadership remain major assets when he’s active. Smith also praised Jason Kidd for shaping a roster deep enough to withstand the long season, something Dallas has lacked since its 2011 championship run.
The Mavericks’ recent record supports Smith’s belief. They eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 playoffs and went 3–1 against them last season. Even without Dončić, they’ve shown the ability to handle the reigning champions.
Smith views that success as proof that Dallas can once again compete with the top contenders in the Western Conference, particularly if Irving returns at full strength midway through the season.
The Subtext Behind Smith’s Choice
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Moody College of Communication
Smith’s decision to spotlight Dallas while leaving out the Lakers strengthens the idea that LeBron’s dominance might finally be fading. Their history adds weight to this moment. Smith has spent years questioning LeBron’s competitiveness and influence, while people close to LeBron reportedly see Smith as overly critical and motivated by ego. By naming the Mavericks as his pick, Smith reinforces a rivalry that continues to blur the line between basketball analysis and personal conflict.
If Smith turns out to be right, the Mavericks could take over the league’s spotlight. If he’s wrong, LeBron will have plenty to say when First Take airs the next morning.