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Stephen A. Smith accuses LeBron James using ‘negativity’ claim about the NBA GOAT debate, ‘it comes from…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Divij Kulkarni | Last updated May 24, 2025 3:30 PM ET

Stephen A. and LeBron have already had major beef this season. The ESPN star has now accused James and his ‘camp’, making a big claim about the NBA’s GOAT debate.

LeBron James‘ season with the Los Angeles Lakers ended in disappointment. A first-round playoff exit means the King hasn’t been involved in the playoff action for a while.

But even when he’s not playing, LeBron remains in the spotlight. Michael Jordan’s agent, David Falk, recently took a shot at LBJ over the GOAT debate.

Many think MJ is the greatest ever, some think it’s King James. Rich Paul spoke out after Falk’s take, bringing receipts to explain why LeBron has a stronger case.

Stephen A. Smith is perhaps the loudest voice in any NBA debate. And he has weighed in quite strongly, accusing James and his camp of negativity.

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Stephen A. Smith says LeBron James and his camp have made the GOAT debate negative

It’s no secret that LBJ and SAS don’t see eye to eye anymore. However, even before their feud, Smith has maintained that he thinks MJ is the NBA GOAT.

Addressing the issue on ESPN recently, Stephen A. made a strong statement, going at the King and his supporters.

“The thing we have to understand, and what’s important about this conversation, is that when we debate the GOAT, the negativity of it comes from LeBron and his camp,” Smith said.

“Nobody else. When we say he’s number two all-time, we’re appreciating the fact that, of the thousands upon thousands of players that have played in the NBA since 1950.

“Okay, LeBron James, there’s only one player we look at and say definitively we think was better, and that was Michael Jordan.”

"When we debate the GOAT, the negativity of it comes from LeBron and his camp, nobody else."

—@stephenasmith on David Falk's recent comments regarding the NBA GOAT debate pic.twitter.com/GAwx2eKv6q
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 23, 2025

A brief recap of Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James’ beef

When the context is taken into account, it’s a bit shocking to see Stephen A. address LeBron like this. The two had a well-publicized feud earlier this year.

After SAS made some comments about Bronny James, LeBron had a heated exchange with him on the sidelines during a Lakers game.

There was a lot of back-and-forth on ESPN following that. James went on Pat McAfee’s show and candidly spoke about the feud. He also told Richard Jefferson what the confrontation was about.

Throughout the beef and even after, SAS maintained that LeBron’s issue with him is that he thinks Jordan is the GOAT, which is irksome for the Lakers’ superstar.

It’s hard to imagine that the King will fire back after this latest accusation from Smith. James is a lot more likely to be focused on the Lakers’ offseason and how the team can improve.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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