Stephen A. Smith Expresses Concern Over Knicks' Loss to Lakers

ESPN personality criticizes Knicks' lack of toughness under new coach Mike Brown

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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ESPN sports media personality Stephen A. Smith expressed concern over the New York Knicks' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, saying the team is "softer" under new head coach Mike Brown compared to the previous regime under Tom Thibodeau. Smith believes the Knicks have lost some of the grit and toughness that defined them under Thibodeau.

Why it matters

The Knicks' performance and identity under their new coach is a closely watched storyline, as the team looks to build on last season's success and make a deep playoff run. Smith's criticism highlights the pressure on Brown to maintain the team's defensive intensity and physicality.

The details

In the loss to the Lakers, Knicks star Jalen Brunson struggled, shooting just 8-for-19 from the field. Smith said the Knicks are "not the same team" under Brown, who has taken a different approach compared to the demanding style of Thibodeau. However, the Knicks did blow out the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week, showing their ability to dominate certain matchups.

  • The Knicks lost to the Lakers on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Knicks defeated the Nuggets one day prior to the Lakers game.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' star player who struggled in the loss to the Lakers, shooting 8-for-19 from the field.

Stephen A. Smith

The ESPN sports media personality who criticized the Knicks' performance and identity under new head coach Mike Brown.

Tom Thibodeau

The former Knicks head coach known for his demanding, physical style of play.

Mike Brown

The current Knicks head coach who has taken a different approach compared to Thibodeau.

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What they’re saying

“I am not happy at all. … I'm very concerned about the Knicks”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Sports Media Personality (First Take on X)

“This is not the same team as under Tom Thibodeau. It's not the same team. They are softer.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Sports Media Personality (First Take on X)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to bounce back on Monday evening when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's criticism highlights the pressure on Knicks head coach Mike Brown to maintain the team's defensive intensity and physicality that defined them under the previous regime. The Knicks' performance and identity under their new coach will be a closely watched storyline as they aim to build on last season's success and make a deep playoff run.