Stephen A. Smith has reignited his feud with LeBron James, as he insisted that the Lakers star is 'stat-padding' to become the GOAT.
The Lakers star 40, is set to play in his 23rd NBA season when he returns from the sciatica issue which has kept him off the court to start the year.
And while he became the league's all-time leading scorer in February 2023, Smith still doesn't place him above Michael Jordan.
Asked on the 'Ball in the Family' podcast about his previous remarks that James was 'stat-padding' to enhance his legacy, the ESPN personality stood by his comments.
'I'm doubling down on that,' he told Lonzo Ball. 'Who the hell don't know that? We don’t look at the Lakers and see a championship team. You ain’t beating Oklahoma City. You ain’t beating Denver. Just understand: it don't buy you GOAT status. You’re not getting that.
'Michael Jordan [is my GOAT], without question. I’ve been saying that since the man retired and there ain’t a damn person who can change my mind,' he continued.
Stephen A. Smith believes that LeBron James is 'stat-padding' to become the GOAT
Stephen A. Smith believes that LeBron James is 'stat-padding' to become the GOAT
James remains sidelined with a sciatica issue that has kept him off the court to start the year
James remains sidelined with a sciatica issue that has kept him off the court to start the year
The Lakers have fared well with James sidelined to start the season, with Luka Doncic averaging a ridiculous 37.1 points and Austin Reaves taking a massive scoring leap as well.
James is reportedly expected to return sometime this month, with the team currently 8-3.
Nonetheless, it's not the first time he's been the target of Smith's criticism, as Smith previously accused him of 'exposing' his son Bronny and insisted that he should be in the G League.
'I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this,' Smith said on First Take. 'Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.'
Those comments led to a tense courtside confrontation between the pair after a Lakers-Knicks game in March, with Smith later predicting that he and James 'may never speak in life again.'
'We don't get along. And there's a multitude of reasons why, I've alluded to them,' he began on his eponymous show.
Cameras caught James having a heated exchange with Smith back in March
Cameras caught James having a heated exchange with Smith back in March
Smith believes that Michael Jordan - not James - is the NBA's greatest ever player
Smith believes that Michael Jordan - not James - is the NBA's greatest ever player
'But we know what the biggest reason is. I ain't Shannon Sharpe, it ain't GOAT status this way. My GOAT is Michael Jordan... I watch the game. I'm a student of the game. I know a GOAT when I see one.'
Smith also recently accused James of being two-faced when speaking on Carmelo Anthony's 7pm in Brooklyn podcast.
'You know, I believe he's one way publicly, he's another way privately,' he said.
James' Lakers will face the Thunder, Pelicans and Bucks next on their current road trip, before returning home for a November 18 clash against the Jazz.
Bronny, meanwhile, has seen his minutes per game nearly double to 12.7 per contest this year.