LeBron James took to social media to issue a devastating rant.
The Los Angeles Lakers star blasted the NBA for its coverage of the league, hours after ESPN did a segment on the 40-year-old’s initial comments about being the face of the league.
Debate around being the face of the league – and whether someone should want that mantra – began with Anthony Edwards at All-Star weekend.
The Minnesota Timberwolves star said he does not want the role, even though he is capable of it.
“Not really,” Edwards said when ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked if he considers himself a candidate to be the face of the NBA.
“I’m capable of being that guy, but I don’t want to be that guy, put it like that. I want to be the guy to just show up and hoop and just kill dudes and go home.”
Inevitably, the actual face of the league, James was later asked about whether that role is something he ever wanted or just bestowed upon him.
The four-time NBA champion in response gave a thoughtful analysis about why the being the face of the league is no longer alluring – and the sacrifice it takes – might not actually be worth it.
“Channing Frye said it … why do you want to be the face of a league,” James said.
“When all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s–t on everybody?
“When you have that responsibility, that’s just weird.”
These comments rubbed ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith the wrong way because on his show First Take, he discussed James’ comments and issued a long rant on Friday morning.
@KingJamesLeBron James’ thread that came after the ESPN debate on his initial comment[/caption]
“First of all, there’s a whole bunch of players that cover the league. They’re former players,’” Smith said.
“They’re not just reporters, they’re former players. Former big-time players, former Hall of Fame players, they talk about the league too. Is everything negative?
“When he talks about people covering the league, we know he’s talking about me… and he’s not just talking about people like me, he talked about Inside the NBA.”
Fellow ESPN analyst, Brian Windhorst echoed Smith’s remarks and claimed that James wanted to be the face of the league.
“He chose to wear 23. He also said I never asked to be the face of the league. Of course he asked to be the face of the league. He signed a $90million Nike contract. Why? Because of Jordan,” Windhorst said.
This debate sparked a reaction from James, as the four-time MVP gave his own blistering rant on social media, claiming that Smith’s own monologue proves his point.
“Exactly made my point but anyways. Happy this convo has started. It ain’t about ‘face of the game’ and it ain’t about one person or one show, it’s about the culture of basketball, the most beautiful game in the world,” James said on X.
“Our game has never been better. Incredible young stars from all over the world and some older ones. Steph Curry should be all we are talking about today.
“Let’s discuss how great OKC and The Cavs have been this season with 2 completely different styles and break down why and how they have. Of course if players don’t perform we need to discuss that too and break that down.”
James went further to explain that his initial comments were not about him but just simply an observation of the coverage of the league.
“Even that can be discussed in a way that’s not to bring finality to that players game but to leave room to see how that player responds and let’s watch the journey of that player,” he added added.
“This ain’t about me either. At this point I don’t really care what’s said about me it’s always something. This is about the impact the negativity is having on our beautiful game and our fans.
“I know I speak for a lot of players and more importantly, a helluva lot of great fans that truly love and celebrate this sport around the world.”
James’ detailed response didn’t take energy out of him, as the Lakers went on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 106-102 with the forward recording 28 points on the night.
