Stephen A. Smith had a battle with LeBron James
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith recently spoke about his complicated history with Lakers star LeBron James during an appearance on the “OGs” show. Despite their rocky relationship, Smith acknowledged James’ greatness on and off the court. Smith expressed his desire for James to obtain an ownership stake in the new Las Vegas franchise and opened up about his frustration regarding James’ response to criticism.
Smith previously criticized James during the 2011 NBA Finals when the Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks. He accused James of being afraid to shoot and not being aggressive with the ball, criticiszing his performance. James did not take Smith’s words kindly and severed ties with him.
Despite their strained relationship, Smith continues to recognize and applaud James’ accomplishments as a great basketball player, father, family man, ambassador, and role model. He expressed his desire for James to have ownership of a new Las Vegas franchise, indicating that their personal issues do not detract from James’ ability to lead and inspire both on and off the court.
The tense exchange between Smith and James highlights the delicate relationship between athletes and sports journalists. While athletes strive for greatness, they also face criticism and backlash when they fall short of expectations. The pressure and scrutiny are often immense, and the way athletes respond to criticism can impact their relationships with the media and perhaps even fans.
With James being one of the most prominent figures in sports, it is not uncommon for him to face criticism and praise from all corners. However, his response to feedback has been questioned by Smith as he believes that James uses his philanthropic efforts to deflect from basketball criticism. Despite their complicated past, Smith’s desire for James to succeed both in basketball and ownership is a testament to the latter’s standing in the world of sports.
