Facing Backlash From LeBron James’ Fans Forces Tony Allen to Retreat: “I Don’t Want No Smoke”

Tony Allen regrets passing remarks on LeBron James after media backlash.

Facing Backlash From LeBron James’ Fans Forces Tony Allen to Retreat: “I Don’t Want No Smoke”

LeBron James and Tony Allen (Image credits - Firstsportz)

LeBron James may have completed 23 seasons in the NBA, but he is still the biggest name and attraction in the league. Ever since he was drafted straight out of high school in 2003, James has carried the NBA on his shoulders both on and off the court.

During his 23 years in the NBA, James has had a lot of critics and haters, but at the same time he has developed a huge and loyal fanbase. His immense fan following often comes to his defense whenever anyone speaks ill about him.

Former NBA champion Tony Allen found it the hard way and quickly learned why it’s a bad idea to criticize James.

I did not know LeBron James was that heavy in media, boy. I promise you, I don’t want no smoke. I’m coming on To The Baha right now, man. Tell all what y’all call them —the ‘sexuals’, the ‘Brons___’— hey man, tell them truce, little Bruce. Straight up, man. Tell them they can send some of that love to To The Baha out the mud, man. Hey, since they so m______ deep, we see how deep they is. D__, they was on my head.

Tony Allen on To The Baha podcast

Tony Allen is widely regarded as one of the best defenders to ever play in the game. Recently, Allen criticized James’ defensive prowess after the latter was ranked 22nd out of the Top 99 defenders in history in a list published by Bleacher Report.

His criticism of James came back to bite him as the King’s fans flamed him across social media. After receiving some heavy pushback, the former Boston Celtics player gave up on his stance and called for a truce with James’ massive fanbase.

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Tony Allen is concerned for Tyrese Maxey after LeBron James’ signing

Over the past three seasons, Tyrese Maxey has grown into one of the best scoring guards in the league. Last season, he elevated his game even further, finishing fifth in the scoring charts after averaging 28.3 points per game.

LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey
LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey (Image credits – Fullcourtpass/X)

However, after James’ arrival in Philly, Allen is left concerned about Maxey’s future and impact on the team heading forward.

My only concern is what does that do for my boy Maxey with all those ball dominant guys. It is my only question. After coming out the mud? (on Maxey taking a backseat).

Tony Allen on To The Baha podcast

Maxey shares a good relationship with James, and the two have trained together in the offseason in the past. He played an active role in trying to get James to Philly. But it remains to be seen if his role changes after the additions of Jaylen Brown and the four-time champion.

LeBron James has been “cheated” financially by the NBA

The impact and influence LeBron James brings to a franchise on and off the court is off the charts. He brought relevancy and transformed all the teams he has played for in the past. While he is yet to play his first game for his new team, his impact has already been felt as Philly ticket prices have surged four times since his arrival.

Former NBA player Trevor Ariza believes that the 41-year-old has been “cheated” financially despite making hundreds of millions of dollars throughout his career.

He’s a huge draw to the game. How much money do you feel like he’s created for the NBA? Billions and billions and billions of dollars. I feel like he was cheated a little bit. There’s the player, the competitor… and then there’s the businessman. There’s a value for that.

Trevor Ariza on The Bootleg Kev podcast

The 76ers are going to see their fortunes change off the court over the next two years after signing James. But most importantly, Philly fans will be hopeful to see the same impact from him on the court as well next season.

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