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ESPN commentator and pundit Stephen A. Smith is known for his straightforward and blunt remarks. And, when it comes to expressing an opinion, Smith is known for never mincing his words. Recently, he expressed his disappointment with the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and blamed the Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James for the same. The 56-year-old was upset about the game and opined that there had been a lack of intensity and effort.
Not only this, but he also said, “They need to do away with All-Star Weekend. Simply discard it.” Smith said that NBA players need to play harder while emphasizing the need to put in some effort. Talking about the All-Star weekend, Jaylen Brown’s participation marked the first time a player selected to the All-Star team joined.
LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the Slam Dunk Contest: Stephen A. Smith
In the well-known program on ESPN, First Take, Steven A. Smith was in conversation with cohost Molly Qerim, former NBA star Kendrick Perkins, and analyst Shannon Sharpe. During the show, Molly asked panelists what they thought should be done by the NBA about the dunk contest. During the same, Smith launched a verbal attack on James and blamed him for the problems. He said that while James had an incredible career, there is a black mark because he didn’t compete in the dunk contest like others.
While his other panelists disagreed, Smith continued saying, LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the slam dunk contest. "I'll even stop talking about the GOAT debate because I'm that serious about this, Shannon. If you will listen to me. It stopped when LeBron James said, 'I'm not doing it.' The stars that came after that didn't feel forced to give the slam dunk competition priority because of the established custom.
He added, “LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the Slam Dunk contest.” Referring to his pre-game warm-up dunks, he said, "You went to the games, and you had people with their cameras clicking and going crazy because they saw LeBron James using a lay-up line pre-game as his own slam dunk performance, and he did it on purpose."
