Is the world healing? Or will this run fade away before things return to normal? Well, you are surely wondering what is going on. Here, let’s make it simple for you. Stephen A. Smith has suddenly softened his glare on LeBron James. Odd change of heart! Just a few days ago, he named the Akron Hammer as his No.1 pick for Top 3 Robin in the NBA Playoffs. And now, he’s back to thank him? What?!
It’s a new normal, yet a tough pill to digest. Stephen A. Smith’s inclination toward Bron feels unreal. He took the NBA superstar’s side in the latest Isiah Thomas row. And here is SAS once again, expressing his feelings for LeBron.
He shocked everyone on First Take when he said, “I said what I said as it pertains to LeBron James. I meant every damn syllable of it. I ain’t taking nothing back. And it is what it is. We are what we are with one another, and that’s cool.” Of course! What were you expecting from the fact-spitting veteran?
However, “It doesn’t neck doesn’t negate the fact that he’s one of the greatest players to have ever lived, a great basketball ambassador who will be missed when he is gone. And regardless of whatever beef we have, I’m thankful for what he has meant to the game of basketball and what he has meant to all of our careers. That’s what I have to say about LeBron James.”
.@stephenasmith responds to Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who made comments on Stephen A.’s recent take that he could be the worst owner in the history of basketball. pic.twitter.com/vI4UHlBAcp
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 18, 2025
Well, this gratitude has surely come out of the blue. However, it is an undeniable truth that the basketball media feeds upon LeBron James‘s career. And that’s been the case for the last twenty years. Most importantly, the Lakers star’s contribution to the sport over the years, the records and achievements have all added up to this moment.
Moreover, this isn’t the first time Stephen A. has been so kind towards the Chosen One. This has been going on for a while, and maybe, just maybe, even his ESPN colleagues are finding it hard to believe. Therefore, when the 57-year-old declared his Top 3 Playoffs Robins list, Brian Windhorst and Molly Qerim didn’t hold back.
Stephen A. Smith’s latest LeBron James claims brought accusations from Brian Windhorst & Co.
Not too long ago, on NBA Countdown, Smith unveiled his Top Robins in the NBA list. Dissecting the topic like the pro that he is, he gave three names. Jimmy Butler got 2nd place, Jaylen Williams took 3rd, meanwhile, the 1st place came with an element of surprise. “LeBron James,” he said. Excuse me? “Let me tell you why. Let me tell you what—I’m not being disrespectful,” Smith explained. “He said the ball is in Luka’s hands. He doesn’t mind deferring. Luka gets him the ball, but he gets us when he wants to. He’s smart enough to do it a lot, because that is LeBron James.”
Brian Windhorst and Molly Qerim don’t believe their ears. Windy retorted: “But you’re using the needle on LeBron.” SAS surely tried defending himself and repeatedly asked, “What needle?” Only to see Windhorst and Qerim share a moment of sheer joy.
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Stephen A coach Stephen A. Smith looks on against Team Shannon during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, Molly mocked: “Windy, when I think of Batman and Robin, I think of Batman and Robin. When I think of—no, that’s not what I was saying. Well, that’s what I think of. When I think of Luka and LeBron, I think more of a beautiful partnership, a beautiful marriage.” This was a direct at SAS’s past comments when he said that he didn’t think Luka and LeBron could ever make sense. “What we have here is a world-class statesman doing elite trolling. This is elite trolling. I’m complimenting,” Windy continued poking Stephen A.
Stephen A. Smith‘s sudden praise for LeBron James is a twist that no one saw coming, especially with Brian Windhorst and Molly Qerim left stunned. The back-and-forth banter between them and SAS just added fuel to the fire. But in the end, it only proves one thing—Bron’s influence continues to dominate the conversation, no matter the angle.
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