Lakers News: Stephen A. Smith Details Dispute with LeBron James' Longtime Agent
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ESPN's Stephen A. Smith isn't shy when it comes to voicing his opinion.
The longtime media icon has cultivated a supremely successful career over the last 30+ years. First starting out as a reporter/journalist, he's since transitioned to the screen -- where Smith's face (and persona) is essentially synonymous with all media platforms rooted in debate.
In terms of his bread-and-butter subject matter, the former college hooper at Winston-Salem is beyond well-versed in all things NBA.
"I got [LeBron] as the second-best player in the history of basketball. I got him ahead of Kareem. I got him behind no one but Jordan."
- Stephen A. Smith (via Podcast P With Paul George)
He recently was a guest on the "Podcast P With Paul George" show, hosted by Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Paul George. Letting his proverbial hair down, Smith touched upon a number of topics. When it came to LeBron James and the relationship Smith had with James' agent/friend Rich Paul, Smith regaled about a past interaction he had with Paul (as can be seen in the video below):
Smith spoke about where he ranked James within the pantheon of basketball history. As the clip shows, Smith had LeBron ranked No.2 all-time -- nestled right behind Smith's No. 1 all-time player, Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan.
According to Smith, James' agent/close friend Rich Paul took exception to this ranking -- allegedly calling it an "insult". From there, we can see the colorful language Smith offered in response.
This debate as to which player is actually "The G.O.A.T" will continue to rage on well after LeBron's career ends. There will be those who grew up with Jordan, and thus will defend him until the bitter end. The aura stemming from 'Air Jordan' and his Nike branding cannot be minimized, as this marketing campaign surely elevated his status even further into the stratosphere of a nearly untouchable godlike figure.
Some will look at the body of work from a longevity standpoint and side with James. While his record in the Finals (4-6) is used as a knock versus Jordan's perfect mark (6-0), there is something to be said for getting to the Finals a whopping 10 times during the modern era. Even further, LeBron apologists will fairly point to the records he has broken/will eventually break from a statistical standpoint.
Regardless as to where you fall on the LeBron-vs.-MJ debate, it's fascinating and entertaining nonetheless.
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