Listen, people always try to bring down greatness. But is it possible though? No. How do you curb the power? How do you silence the loudest cheers despite the loud criticism? It isn’t easy. It won’t happen. At least not in the NBA or even in the world of sports in general. But, you see, a lot of people try their best to find flaws in LeBron James and his gameplay. It’s baffling to note that despite all his achievements and contributions to the league for two decades, the Akron Hammer continues to be a target for the naysayers. But not anymore!
NFL legend-turned-NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe has always been out and about his admiration for Bron. And to say, he hates it when Stephen A. Smith takes a jab at his favorite hooper will be an understatement. So, speaking with Chad Johnson aka Ochocinco (Ocho) on The Night Cap podcast, the 56-year-old took his time to defend James Sr.
Shannon Sharpe counts LeBron James’ contribution to the NBA against the critical minds
It started with Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx taking a defensive stance for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. Commenting on a social media post, Foxx wrote: “‘If he came up with a cure for cancer, they would say, yeah, what about diabetes?’40,000 points over 20 years of play. Carrying this b– a– league on his shoulders. Ungrateful.”
Continuing this trail of thoughts, Ocho added: “No matter what you do, they always find a way to down your greatness.” Now, comparing LeBron James’ contribution to the sports world to that of the greatest boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Shannon Sharpe began his count. “Nobody in the history of sports, (except Muhammad Ali)…has ever caught the vitriol that this man did. Nobody. Go back and look it up. Nobody has.” Sharpe added: “The man scores 50. They said, ‘Well, Kobe would have got 70. Jordan would have got 80.’ Man gives you a 50-point triple-double against that team.”
Shannon Sharpe isn’t letting anyone forget the truth. Despite not being in the same ESPN studio alongside his colleague Stephen A. Smith, it felt like the 56-year-old analyst was indeed taking a jab at the veteran. Well, why shouldn’t he? As a fan of LeBron James, Sharpe has often defended the 40YO against SAS’s strong criticism.
Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
He further reminded everyone that “a lot of these teams were in the league when Kobe played,” yet Kobe retired at 37—far from his prime. And Jordan? “Do y’all remember what Jordan looked like in Washington?” Sharpe isn’t buying the revisionist history. If they had won a title, their greatness would be untouchable. But they didn’t in the final years—and nobody talks about that. So, why hold LeBron James to a different standard?
Sharpe isn’t here for any of these Bron slanders. When LeBron landed in LA, people said, “Oh, he came to be Michael B. Jordan. He came to be a movie star.” Yet, he’s been All-NBA, won a title, and took home Finals MVP. Still, no credit. Sharpe keeps it real—“If you play good, I’m gonna say you play good. If you play bad, I’m gonna say that too.” And LeBron? He’s been nothing but great.
However, for Shannon’s ESPN colleague, Stephen A. Smith, the 40-year-old All-Time Top Scorer is an eyesore. SAS never holds back, and even in his latest for James, he did not hold back.
Stephen A. Smith continues taking his jabs at LeBron James
For SAS, Bron is always at fault for something or the other. His latest mistake? The superstar pointed out the negativity surrounding today’s NBA. this is ultimately leading youngsters like Anthony Edwards to steer clear from the responsibility of becoming the face of the league. Since then, Smith hasn’t stopped his angry ranting. He’s somewhat adamant about proving LeBron James wrong.
On Sunday, Stephen A dropped some words for the Lakers star. He said: “I’m getting sick and tired of folks talking about everybody who covers the league, on how do we (cover) on the league, because some of us don’t call LeBron James the GOAT.” It seems like LeBron’s take on the negativity around has struck an odd cord in SAS’s mind. He must have felt, the forward was calling him out instead.
Feb 20, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) signals to teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
SAS further added: “Because we bring up load management because people come to games sometimes and cats are sitting out and fans don’t even know until they arrive at the arena that the cats are sitting out. Is it because All-Star weekend arrives and folks don’t learn that LeBron James is playing until the last minute? Is it because he’s never participated in the slam dunk contest, thereby ruining it? Because he’s the first marquee name with a slam-dunking ability like that to refuse to participate in an All-Star Slam Dunk Contest ever in his career, the way Jordan did.”
Amidst the criticism and Stephen A. Smith’s loud voice against him, LeBron James continues to play his best games moving ahead. Now, whether he is the GOAT or not is one debatable topic. But with all the support from people like Shannon Sharpe, Ocho, and Jamie Foxx, the Akron Hammer will surely put up his best show game in and game out. And yes, he’s not over yet, so watch out!
The post Stephen A. Smith & ESPN Colleague Don’t See Eye to Eye as LeBron James Controversy Creates Media Storm appeared first on EssentiallySports.
