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NBA Veteran Silences ‘Haters’ as LeBron James Embraces ‘Best Sidekick’ Role

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles | By Deblina Roy | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 10:15 PM ET

LeBron James’ legacy has never really stopped being the centre of criticism. But with his recent stance, Eddie A Johnson had a clapback for the haters.

The Los Angeles Lakers have jumped into the 3 ^rd place in the Western Conference, going strong with an 8-game winning streak. While Luka Doncic’s rise has sidelined Bron’s year-long stardom, Johnson highlighted what James has been.

“People thought he would fight his role next to Luka”, Johnson took it to X on March 21. “All he has done is become the best sidekick in the history of the game, besides arguably being the best player ever.”

Say it again , loud enough for the haters to hear you. People thought he would fight his role next to Luka and all he has done is become the best sidekick in the history of the game besides arguably being the best player ever. Take a minute and think about what I just said! https://t.co/Yycy1MSTNL
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) March 20, 2026

The former Phoenix Mercury star stated this while reposting a Stephen A Smith clip. Where the NBA analyst agreed that “LeBron James is simply one of the most phenomenal, greatest athletes we have ever seen in our lifetime.”

James led the franchise to an NBA title while being the MVP in 2020. But averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season, Smith says, “he (is) being deferential” to Austin Reeves and Doncic.

And this is the unselfish play that both Johnson and Smith highlighted. Plus, it wasn’t even the first time Smith praised LBJ.

Stephen A. Smith Has Praised Lebron James Before

There’s no denying that MJ remains the greatest Smith has ever seen. But moving past the 61-year-old NBA icon, there’s none that he can “definitively put ahead of LeBron James in the history of the sport, spanning over 75 years.” And that is not a new claim.

“He (Bron) has stepped up when he needed to step up”, Smith said on March 20, on ESPN’s First Take. “This is one of the top 4 players in the history of basketball, and was clearly the star of the LA Lakers all of these years until Luka Doncic arrived last season.”

But while retirement or roster change rumours revolved around him, Bron kept on being the sidekick for Doncic or Reeves. And that “unselfishness, the leadership”, says Smith, “you just can’t question it.”

So, it can be safely said that Bron’s exceptional leadership, champion spirit, and winner’s mindset have been celebrated by Smith constantly.

And as the playoffs near, do you think we’ll find more reason to agree with him? Comment it down.

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

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