We may have a war of words brewing between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James.
On Friday morning, Smith took issue with recent comments from James and his fired-up words might get a response from the Los Angeles Lakers star.
James recently spoke about Anthony Edwards’ desire to not be the face of the NBA.
James sided with the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar, saying he doesn’t know why anyone would want to lead the league with all the negative press that comes with such a role.
Smith didn’t like that and commented on James’ recent absence from the All-Star Game and his previous promise to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.
“I don’t appreciate what [LeBron James] said… This is fresh off of an All-Star Weekend that he elected not to participate in… He ruined the Slam Dunk Contest because he’s the first superstar that didn’t do it,” Smith said, per ClutchPoints.
"I don't appreciate what [LeBron James] said… This is fresh off of an All-Star Weekend that he elected not to participate in… He ruined the Slam Dunk Contest because he's the first superstar that didn't do it."
— Stephen A. Smith 🗣️
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/gGsumuOu6G
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2025
Those are some harsh words from Smith, so will they receive a response?
Smith isn’t happy with James sitting out of the All-Star Game and still holds a grudge because James once said he’d be in the dunk contest but never suited up.
But the thing he is most upset about is how James views the analysts and commentators who speak about the NBA.
Smith made a point to remind James and others that all the people reporting on the league love basketball.
He knows there are negative headlines about players, but he said the people speaking about the league on TV want everyone to succeed and want the NBA to do well.
In fact, many of the people who appear on ESPN, NBA TV, and other networks are former players, Smith said, which is further proof that they hold no ill will toward modern players.
James and Smith obviously have very different perspectives, but they both want basketball to thrive.
Will their shared love of the game bring them together, or will they butt heads and argue?
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