Stephen A. Smith has made a name for himself as one of the most vocal and passionate analysts in sports media. However, his recent comments about LeBron James have left many fans questioning his consistency. Within the span of two weeks, Smith went from calling LeBron a top-five player in the NBA to questioning why the 22-year veteran is still playing, suggesting that retirement might be on the horizon.
“Do you realize that LeBron James right now is a top-five player on the planet at age 40?”
“I’m not one of those dudes that’s going to look at LeBron James and not acknowledge this brother is Mount Rushmore, top two all-time. He just ain’t number one. It’s Michael Jordan.”
On November 18th, Stephen A. Smith was effusive in his praise for LeBron, who had just accomplished a career milestone by recording his fourth consecutive triple-double—something even he had never done before.
It was a fitting tribute to LeBron’s brilliance, underscoring his dominance despite the relentless march of time. For a 22-year veteran to compete at this level, let alone consistently lead his team, is nothing short of miraculous.
Yet, just two weeks later, Smith’s tone drastically changed. Following a tough stretch of games where the Lakers went 2-5, Smith began questioning why LeBron was even still playing. He opined:
“We do get to a point when you’re a champion where we ask why you’re still playing, as opposed to stepping away when you’re on a high… If you’re the Los Angeles Lakers and you ain’t going anywhere, we’re asking… what you still playing for?”
It’s a stark contradiction to call LeBron a top-five player in the world and then pivot to questioning his relevance after a brief slump. LeBron has endured grueling scheduling during this stretch, playing five games in seven days, including two back-to-back road games.
The Lakers’ offensive struggles, exacerbated by injuries to key players like Austin Reaves, have magnified the team’s inconsistency. Yet, to single out LeBron for criticism during such circumstances feels disingenuous.
Despite this stretch, LeBron’s numbers remain remarkable. He is averaging 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range.
The only other player matching LeBron’s combination of scoring and playmaking this season is Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP and widely regarded as the best player in the world. For Smith to suggest retirement for a player performing at such a level is baffling.
LeBron’s track record speaks for itself. How many times has he silenced doubters in his 22-year career?
He led Team USA to gold in the Olympics this summer, earning tournament MVP honors in the process. Fatigue from that effort, coupled with the condensed NBA schedule, is visibly affecting him. Even so, dismissing his contributions outright is short-sighted. If there’s one thing LeBron has shown time and again, it’s his ability to bounce back.
Take 2015 as an example. During his first year back in Cleveland, he took a two-week midseason break to recover physically and mentally. The result?
LeBron returned rejuvenated, leading the Cavaliers to an NBA Finals appearance. Why not afford him the same opportunity now?
A few days off to recover could be all he needs to remind the world why he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Father Time is undefeated, but it hasn’t caught LeBron James yet. To suggest that a top-five player can suddenly go from elite status to needing retirement in just two weeks ignores everything we’ve seen from LeBron over the past two decades. He’s proven doubters wrong time and again, and given the chance to rest and recover, he’ll do it again. LeBron James is still The King—and the greatest player of all time. Let’s not forget it.
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