Kendrick Perkins, Stephen A. Smith and Kenny “The Jet” Smith join Shae Cornette on First Take to discuss the biggest storylines amidst the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
0:00 Victor Wembanyama in concussion protocol
4:20 Jaden McDaniels’ comments on the Nuggets’ defense
5:35 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets rivalry
7:57 Stephen A.’s soliloquy
12:36 Perk’s thoughts
14:22 Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
16:18 Stephen A.’s shocking admission
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited: https://plus.espn.com/
#ESPN #NBA
@kylewilliams3861
April 23, 2026 at 11:47 pm
Wemby is literally a human cheat code. It’s almost boring watching him make grown men look like kids
@Jedafp
April 23, 2026 at 11:51 pm
perty sure Stephen has been saying Lebron “Humble” King James has been creeping toward goat status weekly for past 20 years. These basketball newscasters have to rehash same thing over and over too have anything to talk about.
@Jerbear545
April 24, 2026 at 12:09 am
At this rate lebron gonna need to play 10 more years to move slightly closer to MJ
@kcnfdntc
April 24, 2026 at 12:16 am
It would be more impressive if it were being done with the Clippers. Lakers are historically always going to be decent to great no matter what, they will be relevant.
@Emperor-Krack
April 24, 2026 at 12:18 am
He’s been the goat over Jordan over 10 years ago stop it 😂
@Christian-z8p5k
April 24, 2026 at 12:23 am
lol creeping? more like way ahead 😂
@Leyo_Leyo
April 24, 2026 at 12:38 am
This happened before as long as lebron has floor spacers, a backup PG and a non ball dominant big just a cutter, he’ll manage to win a series offensively
But that defensive scheme it:s JJ reddick.
Rockets needs to make their perimeter shots to force Lakers double on KD should be the man guarding Sengun to fire up a 2 man Game.. Thompson is not a shooter and everytime he catches the ball from KD he always looks for Sengun.. that’s a problem
@TDGRHYTHM
April 24, 2026 at 12:40 am
When LeBron James takes control of a playoff series, history says it’s already over.
Sitting at a perfect 32–0 when leading 2–0, LeBron has built a reputation for closing the door once he gains the upper hand.
It’s about experience, control, and knowing how to manage every moment that follows. Teams have tried to fight back from that deficit against him, but none have succeeded.
Now, with the Rockets staring at that same situation, the challenge isn’t just winning games, it’s rewriting history against one of the greatest to ever do it.
The pressure just reached another level.
@MrIncred1ble92
April 24, 2026 at 12:46 am
13:45 pause
@r.josephj2025
April 24, 2026 at 12:49 am
Steven A Smith was forced to say that
@jaivee8158
April 24, 2026 at 12:52 am
Shay: Trash Talk.. then laugh
that was gold! hahaha
@v8rmusic406
April 24, 2026 at 12:54 am
Wemby’s height changes every week LOL “7’7, 7’4, 7’5, 7’6” 😂
@marymckenzie2025
April 24, 2026 at 1:03 am
I agree with Stephen A on this, we need to have some toughness and attitude around.
@okthen5566
April 24, 2026 at 1:12 am
LeBron 2035 mvp in a wheelchair.
Stephen A……he’s almost there😂
@ringsideenergy
April 24, 2026 at 1:24 am
Perk hates nikola so bad
@Mac_Daddy_Conner
April 24, 2026 at 1:26 am
as if theres something a 41 year old can do that can make any impact on a players legacy. If you didn’t see it for the past 23 years you aint seeing it now. This is what happens when fat non athletic losers commentate on professional athletes.
@horacebledsoe7510
April 24, 2026 at 1:26 am
Is it me or Stephen A haircut on the sides looks horrible…. 😂😂😂😂 who did his fade
@jayjohnson6567
April 24, 2026 at 1:29 am
Come on Perk don’t jump off the ship now after all that Championship talk you been saying 🙄 spurs
@Mac_Daddy_Conner
April 24, 2026 at 1:34 am
SAS being the spokes person for ESPN is how you know ESPN is garbo. They use to be the leaders in sports coverage now its just click bait hot take garbo
@laz7710
April 24, 2026 at 1:56 am
We’ve known this. We don’t need stupid steven a smith’s opinion to justify what is factual.
@PoppaRyno
April 24, 2026 at 2:12 am
Nope
@christophervelasquez2063
April 24, 2026 at 2:14 am
The blonde looks like a female Pat McAfee lol and I can’t unsee it lol
@rameezraja5566
April 24, 2026 at 2:16 am
So this is what motivates LeBron then.. getting past jordan
@terrellbarno5449
April 24, 2026 at 2:47 am
Dame dolla 🤣🤣
@jamesbell6486
April 24, 2026 at 2:49 am
Before I am here Stephen a Smith I already know what he’s going to say deflect away from the Lakers And LeBron