Ah, the GOAT debate. The debate that keeps on polarizing fan bases. The debates that keep things churning for many in the NBA. Many key figures have built their personality around this debate. It is, of course, usually between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. This debate can lead to heated discussions. And when you are one of the top analysts in the field, your opinions will flow in all directions. Of course, they will reach the player in question himself.?

This is the case with Stephen A. Smith who always chooses Michael Jordan over LeBron James. It is natural that LBJ knows about it, so in this wake, how do these two respond when they come face-to-face?

Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James is lying about a notion

It is clear that the long-time ESPN associate doesn?t shy away from giving blunt takes. In August, When James during an intense workout session declared, ?Don’t mean nothing. Tired is only in the mind. You tell yourself you’re tired, you’re gonna be tired. I don’t get tired.?

However, the First-Take host felt differently. On his show, he began by saying, ?He is lying. He has gotten tired?. He accepted that what makes LBJ a role model is his ?commitment and conditioning?. Then he went on, ?It was a travesty that this man, in his 20th season, was in better shape than most of the league last year, including his teammate Anthony Davis.?

While these comments weren?t disrespectful as such, they imply that he does contradict what James believes in. This includes King James claiming that he is the greatest player of all time.

In a video posted by GQ Sports? official Insta handle, recently, the ESPN analyst went undercover to learn what fans think about him and perceive his Knicks as well. During this activity, the veteran ESPN commentator came across a question. The question was, ?What is Stephen A. Smith?s relationship like with LeBron now?“

READ MORE: ?Was He Lied To??: Stephen A. Smith Raises Potential Conspiracy in Damian Lillard Trade by Blazers

He had a peculiar reply to it.

Do Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James not see eye to eye?

He responded, ?Virtually non-existent. Cordial when we see each other. Hi and bye. We keep it moving. He plays, I talk about how he plays. Obviously, sometimes he likes it, sometimes he doesn?t. And I don?t lose sleep at night over either scenario?.

It is clear that while the two might be ?cordial?, there is not much scope for having a lengthy conversation. The NBA insider has been known to be in the bad books of many players, considering his endless stream of criticism.

As LeBron James prepares for the upcoming season, ESPN?s prized presenter will once again be scrutinized at every turn. Both of them are just doing their jobs.

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