ESPN is back with their top 100 NBA rank for 2023, and someone is not happy. ESPN’s very own Stephen A Smith is disappointed that LeBron James did not make it to the top 5. When it comes to basketball, there is no scarcity of opinions, especially in the realm of sports journalism.

Stephen A, known for his passion for the game and sometimes controversial opinions, is once again stirring the pot refusing to accept a top-five without LeBron’s name on it. ESPN First Take’s Molly Qerim is joined by Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe to share their thoughts on the new list that has been making the rounds.

Unsatisfied Stephen A. restructures the list

The top one spot was taken by Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Niko Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Stephen Curry in that order followed along on the top five list. What’s bothering Stephen is not seeing LeBron’s name on this list, who is way down in the top 9th position. Stephen makes it very clear by saying, “I cannot have a top-five list without LeBron James on the list. That’s just blasphemous.” 

Well, Stephen takes matters into his own hands and restructures the list; the list was put together by an expert panel through voting, in light of the upcoming season. According to him, he would have Bron in the fifth position, while pulling up Nikola to first and taking down Giannis to second spot. On his new list, Curry and Joel Embiid take the third and fourth positions respectively.

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Stephen A. appalled at Shannon for not including Bron in the top 5

Shannon Sharpe on the other hand, puts LeBron in seventh place. This throws Stephen into a dramatic fit who says, “Hold on, I can’t breathe you don’t have LeBron James top five? You don’t have GOAT James top five?” Shannon stands his ground saying that he needs to see LeBron churn out 65 games.

Shannon explains himself, “In the last couple years, I haven’t been getting that okay. Can’t keep giving me 55 games. I need more, I demand more.” Despite this, Shannon does acknowledge Bron’s injury history and cites this as a reason for placing him lower in the ranking.

The debate around Bron’s greatness and legacy will probably never be resolved because, to some, he will always be the greatest, while naysayers will disagree. Regardless, this is the beauty of the sport and there is no doubt that LeBron has revolutionized the game in his own way. Do you agree with ESPN’s listing? Let us know in the comments below.

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