The Feud Between ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James Continues as He Recently said that LeBron James isn’t the GOAT Giving His Reasons.

The Feud Between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James Continues.

The ongoing back-and-forth between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James has taken another turn, as the outspoken ESPN analyst doubled down on his stance that LeBron is not the greatest of all time (GOAT). Smith’s latest comments have reignited the debate, drawing both support and criticism from NBA fans and analysts.

Stephen A’s Argument: LeBron Let Others Stand in His Way

During a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith made a sharp critique of LeBron’s legacy, arguing that what separates LeBron from the true GOATs of basketball is that he allowed others to stand in his way throughout his career.

“Nobody was gonna impede Kobe. Nobody was gonna impede MJ. Nobody was gonna impede Duncan. … But him? I believe he would’ve been impeded—which is why I have Jordan.”

Smith’s argument is clear: unlike Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Tim Duncan, who he believes were unstoppable forces, LeBron has faced challenges that at times hindered his dominance. The implication is that while LeBron’s greatness is undeniable, he lacks the same ruthless, unwavering mentality that defined the other legends.

A History of Criticism

This isn’t the first time Stephen A. has been critical of LeBron. Over the years, he has frequently called out James for various reasons—whether it was his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010, his struggles in the NBA Finals, or even his approach to leadership.

However, this latest take cuts deeper because it directly challenges LeBron’s competitive drive and mental toughness, which are often seen as defining traits of GOAT contenders. The suggestion that LeBron allowed obstacles to slow him down, unlike Jordan, Kobe, or Duncan, adds fuel to the long-running debate over his place in basketball history.

LeBron’s Likely Response

LeBron has yet to respond directly, but history suggests he won’t remain silent for long. In past instances, he has used social media to send subtle—yet pointed—messages to critics. Whether he posts a cryptic tweet, an Instagram story featuring one of his highlight reels, or simply lets his play on the court do the talking, fans are eagerly awaiting his response.

The Ongoing Debate: Jordan vs. LeBron

Stephen A.’s latest comments are just another chapter in the Jordan vs. LeBron GOAT debate, a discussion that has dominated basketball conversations for years. While Jordan’s six NBA titles, undefeated Finals record, and legendary killer instinct continue to be the gold standard, LeBron’s longevity, all-around dominance, and statistical achievements make his case equally compelling.

But for Stephen A., this latest remark underscores what he sees as a key difference: Jordan, Kobe, and Duncan would never have let external factors stop them—whereas LeBron, in his eyes, did.

As the NBA season continues and LeBron keeps adding to his legacy, the debate rages on. But one thing is certain: the feud between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James is far from over.