Stephen A. Smith, the prominent sports commentator, has never shied away from voicing his opinions on NBA stars, and his relationship with LeBron James is no exception. In a recent interview, Smith offered a candid and somewhat contradictory assessment of his dynamic with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

Praise and Admiration

Smith began by expressing his deep admiration for LeBron James, acknowledging his qualities as a father, family man, and basketball ambassador. Smith even voiced his support for James potentially securing an ownership stake in a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas, should the league decide to expand. “I want him to get an ownership stake in the new Las Vegas franchise when the NBA decides to do an expansion franchise,” Smith said, highlighting James’ significant contributions to the sport.

Criticism and Controversy

However, Smith’s praise was short-lived. He quickly turned to criticizing James’ on-court performance, particularly during the Lakers’ playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Smith admitted that criticizing James was not pleasant, but he felt it was necessary to stay true to his role as a commentator. “You think I enjoy having to say, ‘Hey, bro, you were afraid to shoot in the fourth quarter in that final series against Dallas’? I don’t enjoy it,” Smith said.

The Delicate Balance

Smith’s comments reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of his relationship with LeBron James. While he admires James’ off-court qualities and contributions to basketball, he cannot shy away from criticizing his on-court performance. This dichotomy underscores the delicate balance between admiration and criticism that defines Smith’s relationship with the NBA superstar.

Conclusion

Despite not having a close personal relationship with LeBron James, Stephen A. Smith’s candid assessment highlights the intricacies of their dynamic. Smith’s willingness to praise James’ off-court achievements while also holding him accountable for his on-court shortcomings underscores the nuanced nature of sports commentary. As James’ journey continues, the relationship between the two will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the NBA.