Stephen A. Smith responded to LeBron James' Instagram post featuring an old, embarrassing video of Smith boxing with torn rotator cuffs. On First Take, Smith expressed that while the video was embarrassing, he didn’t mind it being shared, but criticized LeBron for posting it in retaliation to Smith’s comments.
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Stephen A. Smith has fired back after Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shared a video of Smith boxing from over a decade ago on his Instagram.
LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron James
MIN: 34.92
PTS: 24.66 (56.61%)
REB: 8.21
As: 8.41
ST: 0.92
BL: 0.57
TO: 3.84
GM: 61
The video, which features Smith with two torn rotator cuffs, was used by James as a response to Smith’s comments about him. On ESPN’s First Take, Smith didn’t hold back, addressing the situation head-on.
"He puts out some page about me, boxing and all of this other stuff from a decade ago with two torn rotator cuffs. Fine, no problem. It's a very, very embarrassing video," said Smith. "I'll be the first to say and all that stuff, even though I like it to be left up there. Because if people think I want to throw hands like that, that's how I throw hands, knock yourself out. I'm good with it."
While he didn’t mind the video being out there, Smith took issue with LeBron's motivation behind sharing it.
"When has LeBron James ever done something like that? But suddenly you're doing that as it pertains to me. This man is in his feelings. I wonder why."
"Could it be because I don't believe you're the GOAT? Because I'll never believe you're the GOAT?" Smith explained that while he recognizes LeBron’s greatness, he will always have Michael Jordan at the top. "That belongs to Michael Jordan," Smith stated firmly.
Despite his position on the GOAT debate, Smith made sure to acknowledge LeBron’s many accomplishments beyond basketball.
"Great father, great husband, great philanthropist, great businessman, great director, great producer, great host, great basketball player, great leader." Smith continued, "I mean, my God, I have done everything but put diapers and a bib on this brother."
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