By Alek Arend The Los Angeles Lakers are a mess. What’s the solution? Maybe they should hire ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. At least that’s what Smith thinks they should do. During ESPN’s First Take on Monday morning, Smith suggested the Lakers hire him to be their President of Basketball Operations. We’re pretty sure he wasn’t kidding. However, Smith makes serious money for ESPN right now. Reports indicate he makes as much as $8 million per year. The Lakers might not actually be able to afford him. “They can’t afford me… but the Lakers should hire me as their President of Basketball Operations,” he…