Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry — who’s the greatest player in the world?
For years, the answer has been LeBron James. But as the Lakers star shows signs of aging, doubt about his status as the best in the world began to surface.
But for ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, he has no doubt that James is still King — not only in basketball but in all of sports. In light of Bleacher Report naming Bron as the best player in the world (in any sport), Smith defended that title against his co-host, Max Kellerman, who seems to think that LeBron isn’t even the best in his own sport.
“We can take into account what he brings as an iconic, global brand. But when you look at what he’s doing at the level that he’s doing it, there is no debating this issue. Kawhi Leonard ain’t on the brother’s level in terms of the total package.
Kawhi Leonard is one of the top five basketball players in the world, plays on both ends — that much is true. But he doesn’t necessarily make dudes around him better, it’s just that he’s an assassin and he can put the ball in the bucket and he can stop you from doing so as well.
But righ now, LeBron James is the best player on the planet — right now.”
What Stephen A. is alluding to most here seems to be LeBron’s ability to make others around him better. He sets up his teammates and plays in such a way that makes things easier for them.
To Stephen A., what LeBron has done over the course of his 16-year career makes him not only the best in basketball but the best in sports — at least right now. And, considering James’ illustrious resume, it’s hard to argue with that argument.
