Stephen A. Smith Praises LeBron James Despite Reiterating Michael Jordan as His GOAT

LeBron James has managed to win back a lot of fans after providing proof that he can lead the Los Angeles Lakers on his own.


Stephen A. Smith Praises LeBron James Despite Reiterating Michael Jordan as His GOAT

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Stephen A. Smith praises LeBron James for his longevity and impact on the game, despite maintaining Michael Jordan as his GOAT.
  • Dwyane Wade anticipated LeBron's dominance in Game 1 after Kevin Durant's injury, highlighting his ability to control the game.
  • With Durant's absence, the Lakers have a unique opportunity to take control of the playoff series against the Rockets.

After Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, many critics have started to understand LeBron James‘ worth to his team.

Just a couple of months ago, those same people were demanding that the four-time champion leave the franchise so that their two leading superstars could play to their potential.

That notion did start changing when the ‘King’ altered his approach to the game and took a significant back seat to allow Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to thrive.

By that time, many analysts were already warming up to the idea of James staying with the Lakers beyond this season, but only after he agrees to a pay cut.

The difference is that after the game against the Rockets, many have been rethinking their past opinions about LeBron James. Stephen A. Smith, who also talked about his foe leaving the Lakers, now has nothing but praise for him.

Michael Jordan is still my GOAT because, Michael Jordan at his best, I take any day against LeBron at his best. But that doesn’t mean that LeBron isn’t great, and he isn’t on the Mount Rushmore of basketball… At age 41, in his 23rd season, has there ever, ever, ever, ever been anybody this good for this long? The answer to that is no.

Stephen A. Smith said on his namesake show

The 58-year-old reiterated that, unlike some of his colleagues, he was not going to change Michael Jordan from his GOAT pedestal. At the same time, that did not mean that he was undermining LeBron James, as he has not seen greatness continue for this long.

Dwyane Wade knew LeBron James was going to cook the Rockets in Game 1

Stephen A. Smith, just like all basketball fans, was simply marveling at what a 41-year-old LeBron James was doing in the postseason all by himself. But for former teammate Dwyane Wade, he knew what was coming.

Once I heard KD was out, I was like ‘Oh yeah, Bron is about to control this whole game.’ And he did. They put him in the post a lot, and he controlled the game… Just directing traffic… He makes amazing things happen out of the mistakes that you make… I knew LeBron was gon’ go ahead and control traffic.

Dwyane Wade said on Wy Network

The three-time champion pointed out that once the news dropped about Kevin Durant‘s knee injury, he knew his former teammate was going to control the entire game.

Wade knows that his former Miami Heat running mate was not the player he once was. But what will never diminish is LeBron James’ ability to dictate everything, from offense to defense.

With Kevin Durant still out, LeBron James could help Lakers take control of playoff series

After fans and members of the media saw how LeBron James took advantage of Kevin Durant’s absence, everyone has been waiting to know about any updates regarding the Rockets’ star’s knee.

Kevin Durant and LeBron James
Kevin Durant and LeBron James (Image via Stunna 999/X)

So far, there is no concrete evidence that the Slim Reaper will play in Game 2. If that were to happen, the Los Angeles Lakers would find themselves with a unique opportunity.

The Houston Rockets essentially crumbled without their leading superstar on the floor. Since they do not have a traditional point guard to create plays, the team relies on Durant’s experience to do so.

That is where James has an upper hand, as no one dissects opposition schemes faster and better than him. If the oldest player in the league were to lead his team to win Game 2, they could effectively take control of this series.

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