Stephen A. Smith Explains Why LeBron Will Never Surpass Michael Jordan

Smith had some strong feelings on the goat conversation.

BYAlexander Cole
Link Copied to Clipboard!
3.8K Views
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

One of the biggest debates in basketball is who is the greatest player of all-time. As of right now, there are two players at the top of this debate: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The popular opinion dictates that Jordan is the GOAT and that James has been chasing him for years. It seems like much of this debate is a generational divide. Younger people see LeBron as the GOAT while the older crowd is quick to say MJ. Regardless, it's a debate that persists to this day and on Wednesday, Stephen A. Smith gave his thoughts on the matter.

In the video below, Smith goes on to say that LeBron will never surpass Michael Jordan and it all has to do with his killer instinct and playoff performances during the early part of his career. One of Smith's biggest critiques on LeBron's career is his performance against the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1197195341940039686

On top of all these criticisms, Smith believes James lacked the intensity to put teams away when he first started. As Max Kellerman explained later in the video, Smith was using LeBron's "journey" against him. Smith's opinion here is nothing new although it's interesting to see the arguments framed in such a way.

What do you think of what Smith had to say? Is he right or is LeBron the real GOAT?


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.