'Disgraceful!': Cavs’ Playoff Meltdown Sparks Passionate LeBron James Plea From Stephen A. Smith

The Cavaliers never held a lead at any point in Game 3, with Knicks’ PG Jalen Brunson scoring 30 points, along with 6 assists and 3 rebounds.

The team built a strong 52-30 regular-season record, yet they continue to suffer playoff disappointments. Smith’s plea centered around LeBron James is a call for stronger leadership, as Donovan Mitchell doesn’t seem to be enough.

New York shot 56% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Cleveland struggled from deep, hitting just 29% of their three-point attempts. The Knicks also edged them on the glass with 37 rebounds to Cleveland’s 34 in Game 3. 

In Game 2, Cleveland scored only 44 total points in the second half. An 18-0 third-quarter run by New York shifted the momentum. The situation grew even worse when the series shifted to Ohio for Game 3 on May 23, 2026. 

These last 2 performances followed a Game 1 collapse where they lost a 22-point lead. Smith believes that a superstar presence like LeBron would solve all the Cavs issues.

Why Stephen A. Smith Believes in LeBron James Leadership  

James led the Cavs to the 2016 NBA title by completing a 3-1 comeback over the Golden State Warriors. He also dropped a Finals MVP performance to win that ring for the team. 

The franchise has won no championships since 2016 and dealt with multiple early exits after his departure. They lost to the Knicks in the 2022-23 first round and faced Eastern Conference Semifinals exits in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. 

Smith notes that a player of James’ caliber can give the Knicks the reliability and confidence the team needs.

James is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Even at age 41, he is averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. His leadership and basketball IQ still make him invaluable on the floor.

Reports indicate that Cavaliers executives would pursue him if he showed interest. However, challenges remain, including second apron salary cap restrictions and the likelihood of a huge pay cut.