As the 2024-25 NBA regular season draws to a close, the excitement and anticipation for the playoffs are at an all-time high. With just a few months left, teams are jockeying for position, fighting for home-court advantage, and looking to secure their spot in the postseason. And according to ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, there are five players in particular who need to step up and show out in the playoffs.
First on Smith’s list is none other than LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being in his late thirties, James continues to dominate the court and is a perennial MVP candidate. However, with the Lakers currently sitting in the sixth seed in the Western Conference, James will need to elevate his game even further if he wants to lead his team to another championship. As Smith puts it, “LeBron is the king of the playoffs, and he needs to remind everyone of that once again.”
Next up is Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets. After missing most of last season due to injury, Durant has come back with a vengeance and is once again one of the top players in the league. However, with the Nets facing stiff competition in the Eastern Conference, Durant will need to continue his stellar play and lead his team to the promised land. As Smith states, “Durant is a scoring machine, and he needs to keep that fire burning in the playoffs.”
The third player on Smith’s list is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite being a two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo has yet to make it past the Eastern Conference Finals. With the Bucks currently holding the top seed in the East, all eyes will be on Antetokounmpo to see if he can finally lead his team to the NBA Finals. As Smith says, “Giannis has all the tools to be a champion, and it’s time for him to prove it in the playoffs.”
Coming in at number four is Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. In just his fourth season in the league, Doncic has already established himself as one of the top players in the NBA. However, with the Mavericks currently sitting in the seventh seed in the West, Doncic will need to elevate his game even further if he wants to make a deep playoff run. As Smith puts it, “Doncic is a superstar in the making, and it’s time for him to show the world what he’s capable of in the playoffs.”
Rounding out the list is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. After a disappointing playoff exit last season, Embiid has come back with a vengeance and is having an MVP-caliber season. With the 76ers currently holding the top seed in the East, all eyes will be on Embiid to see if he can lead his team to the NBA Finals. As Smith states, “Embiid has been playing like a man possessed this season, and he needs to keep that same intensity in the playoffs.”
In conclusion, as the 2024-25 NBA regular season winds down, the playoffs are just around the corner. And according to Stephen A. Smith, these five players need to step up and show out if they want to lead their teams to the championship. With their talent and determination, there’s no doubt that these players will rise to the occasion and make the playoffs a must-watch event for all basketball fans. So let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as these players battle it out for the ultimate prize in the NBA.
