(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Stephen A. Smith is ESPN’s most prominent talking head, and his interactions with sports elites are certainly fodder for conversation.
The commentator is opinionated on virtually all aspects of the sporting universe, and the question of his interactions with Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James was recently raised.
Smith opened up to “The OGs Show” about his relationship with James and how much he respects the NBA legend on and off the court.
Stephen A. Smith tells UD and Mike about his relationship with LeBron James (@stephenasmith)
Watch full episode here: https://t.co/znw620dHMT pic.twitter.com/bYa26zeT7Y
— The OGs Show (@theOGsShow) July 9, 2024
He noted that he is unconcerned with his relationship with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer but acknowledged that James is truly “great.”
Smith declared, “I know he’s a great father, a great family man, a great basketball ambassador, a great role model.”
He further expressed his support for James’ acquisition of an ownership stake in a potential new NBA franchise in Las Vegas.
The face of ESPN recalled past criticisms of James, saying he did not enjoy calling out the superstar for being “scared to shoot in the fourth quarter” in the Lakers’ playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Smith also took LeBron to task for what he called a “slick way” of deflecting any criticism relating to basketball by instantly bringing up kids and the community if anyone questioned his play.
There is no denying the greatness of James and the legacy of his four NBA titles thus far.
He led his current team to the championship in 2020 and would love nothing more than to add another trophy to his collection before he finally hangs up his sneakers.
For that to happen, some lineup changes in L.A. apparently need to happen.
But another title at this stage of his career would erase anything Smith or anyone else could say negatively about James’ game.
The post Stephen A. Smith Gets Honest About His Relationship With Lebron James appeared first on The Cold Wire.