JJ Redick Incensed After Stephen A Smith Badmouths LeBron James While Praising MJ

Published 11/24/2021, 7:30 AM EST

As one of the most influential stars in the NBA, LeBron James dominates major sports news headlines. NBA fans consider the Los Angeles Lakers star talisman as one of the GOATs in the sport of basketball. Analysts often compare LeBron to other NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and others.

Former NBA star JJ Redick recently rushed to LeBron’s defense on ESPN. Host Stephen A. Smith of the ‘First Take’ show on ESPN controversially commented that LeBron James and Michael Jordan struck different levels of fear in their rivals. Redick expressed his disagreement with Smith’s take and candidly called out Smith for his contentious opinion.

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Redick said, “I don’t know whether to believe that you believe what you’re saying. That’s crazy, that’s crazy. When has there been a situation, if you’re talking about physical confrontation? If that’s what you’re referring to, nobody has ever challenged LeBron like that.”

“Why would they? I played the game, but I played the game Stephen A and I played against LeBron in the playoffs. And I played against LeBron, against Bron for 15 years.”

JJ Redick just called out Stephen A. Smith for his take on fearing Michael Jordan, but not LeBron James 👀pic.twitter.com/dOzD64BLFy
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 23, 2021

Redick pushed back hard against Smith’s controversial claim, which he made in the aftermath of LeBron’s confrontation with Isaiah Stewart. Smith was of the opinion that NBA players feared Michael Jordan to a greater deal than they fear LeBron James. Reddick did not tolerate this take as he questioned Smith’s logic through the former’s 15-year playing career. Reddick never played on any NBA franchise as LeBron’s teammate.

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The Lakers lose to the Knicks in LeBron James’ absence

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their dismal start to the season with a loss against the New York Knicks. LeBron James missed the Lakers game due to suspension following his bloody confrontation with Isaiah Stewart. The NBA suspended LeBron for one game after the controversial events of the Detroit Pistons game.

Russell Westbrook stepped up in LeBron’s absence, scoring 31 points. Talen Horton-Tucker had a dull performance scoring zero points in 29 minutes. Evan Fournier led the Knicks, scoring 26 points in a 106-100 victory against the Lakers. The Lakers currently have a record 9-10 record for the season and will visit the Indiana Pacers next.

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

JJ Redick Incensed After Stephen A Smith Badmouths LeBron James While Praising MJ

The Lakers lose to the Knicks in LeBron James’ absence

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