- Shannon Sharpe agreed that LeBron James garnered more than ample media focus
- This comment was earlier made by James’ friend and agent, Rich Paul
- LeBron James has been in the media spotlight since his formative years
Newly-minted ‘First Take’ co-host Shannon Sharpe agrees with LeBron James’ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul about the former facing more media scrutiny than Michael Jordan.
“We are there not getting into who is the better player. But we are talking about the scrutiny LeBron had to go through. There was no social media. And Rich Paul was absolutely right. There were no 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365, in which we had an idea. What the internet has done has turned the common person into a head coach, into a general manager, into a scout, into a professional athlete, all these things so they get to have an opinion. Michael would score 50 points and they would never say Larry would score 65, Magic would score 60.”
He further added:
“But if LeBron gets a triple-double, they say Jordan would have 76 points. So he is up against the scrutiny of having to go out on a nightly basis. Jordan never had to worry about the camera, paparazzi? Do you know how many relationships, and businesses have been ruined with this?”
.@ShannonSharpe explains why LeBron has had to face more scrutiny than Michael Jordan in his career. pic.twitter.com/aWRHZX39UA
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 5, 2023
Earlier, Paul, speaking on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, shared his thoughts on how James was the first player among the NBA greats to face relentless media focus.
That said, there is no doubt that James has been in the media spotlight ever since he was labeled as the generational superstar and ‘The Chosen One’ during his NBA Draft.
But despite the raging GOAT debate, and the immense pressure, the Lakers star has time and again proved that he has a legacy of his own and will end his career among the pantheon of greats in the NBA.
Shannon Sharpe Has Been Vocal About His Admiration Of LeBron James
Over the years and in his many debates with Skip Bayless on ‘Undisputed’ on LeBron James, Shannon Sharpe has always shown the highest respect for the four-time NBA champion, and not just from the perspective of a fan.
He has often referred to him as one of the greatest players ever, and that’s huge words coming from a decorated NFL legend.
Earlier, in one of the segments on Undisputed, he gave a piece of his mind to the actor Michael Rapaport, who was part of the show to discuss the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Rapaport, reportedly not a huge fan of James and the Lakers, tried to share his views when Sharpe interrupted him and said:
“Whatever, tell the truth why you lost your voice. You can’t even enjoy the Knicks because you root so hard against LeBron James and the Lakers. You were hoping that Minnesota knocked them out. That’s how you lost your voice.”
And now, with his stance on James being more of the media’s focal point over Jordan, Sharpe has again made his feelings quite clear.
LeBron James Will Be The Cynosure Of All Eyes This 2023-24 Season
Come this NBA 2023-24 season, LeBron James, entering his 21st season in the NBA, will be the center of attention again.
The 38-year-old forward’s two-decade-long career is a testament to his longevity in the league, and with the objective being a fifth championship to his name, James will be in the spotlight again.
This season sees James turn 39, and while he isn’t getting any younger, he has still played at a high level.
The Lakers will hope that their smartly constructed roster and Anthony Davis will be able to give James the support he needs to make another championship run after the team made the Western Conference Finals last season.
But it is safe to say that James will forever have media attention on him, even after calling time on his decorated career.
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