STEPHEN A. SMITH GOES OFF AFTER KARA LAWSON REVEALS WHY SHE BENCHED CAITLIN CLARK AT FIBA WORLD CUP!

The Caitlin Clark and Kara Lawson debate became one of the biggest storylines surrounding Team USA at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Clark came off the bench throughout the tournament, while Kara Lawson continued with a veteran-heavy starting lineup. When Lawson was asked about changing the starters, she explained that she believed the existing group was doing a good job getting Team USA off to strong starts and said she liked where the lineup was. Despite coming off the bench, Clark made a major impact. In her World Cup debut against China, she recorded 14 points and 11 assists, including a performance that highlighted her playmaking ability. Lawson later praised Clark's contribution and described her as an important playmaker for Team USA. The controversy continued as fans and sports commentators debated whether Clark should have been starting. After Team USA eventually captured the FIBA World Cup, Lawson also publicly praised Clark's contribution to the championship run. In the final against France, Clark scored 12 points and hit a crucial three-pointer before halftime as Team USA rallied to win 97–79. Now, the spotlight is on the reaction to Lawson's decision and the broader debate surrounding Caitlin Clark's role with Team USA. In this video, we break down Kara Lawson's explanation, Caitlin Clark's performances, the criticism surrounding her bench role, and the reaction from Stephen A. Smith and basketball fans. Was Lawson's veteran-heavy lineup simply a coaching decision based on team balance, or should Clark have received a starting role? Watch until the end and share your thoughts!