Stephen A. Smith DEEP FRIES FanBoys and LeBron James on The Pivot Podcast!

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The Reckoning: Stephen A. Smith and the GOAT Debate

In the world of sports commentary, few names resonate as loudly as Stephen A. Smith. Known for his fiery opinions and unapologetic takes, Stephen A. has long been a polarizing figure in basketball discussions. But in January 2025, he took his commentary to a new level, launching what he called his “I’m tired of pretending tour.” This was not just another segment; it was a bold declaration that would shake the very foundations of the ongoing GOAT debate.

The moment came during an appearance on a popular sports podcast. The host, seeking to stir the pot, posed the age-old question: “Where does LeBron James rank all time? Is he the GOAT?” Typically, former players and analysts would sidestep this question, offering vague responses that avoided controversy. But not Stephen A. He looked directly into the camera, ready to unleash a truth bomb that would leave the basketball community reeling.

“Let’s address Savannah’s husband, LeBron James,” he said, and the temperature in the room dropped. You could feel the tension thickening, the anticipation hanging in the air. Stephen A. was not there to give compliments; he was there to pull receipts and reopen wounds that many had tried to forget.

With unwavering confidence, he stated, “You choked in the NBA Finals.” The words hit like a thunderclap. He didn’t mince words; he was referring to LeBron’s infamous performance during the 2011 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged just 17.8 points per game and had a series of dismal fourth quarters. “Four consecutive fourth quarters, zero points in one game. What do you mean by that?” he challenged.

The studio fell silent. This was not just another hot take; this was an uncomfortable truth that forced fans and analysts alike to confront a narrative that had been carefully constructed around LeBron’s greatness. Stephen A. had laid out the facts, and they were indisputable. “These are the facts of the case,” he asserted, “and they are undisputed.”

As he continued, Stephen A. pointed out the glaring discrepancies in the GOAT debate. Michael Jordan, he reminded everyone, had a flawless Finals record—6-0, with six Finals MVPs and a legacy built on dominance. In contrast, LeBron’s 4-6 record in the Finals raised questions about his claim to the throne. “You don’t get to lose more Finals than you win and call yourself the king,” he stated, his voice steady and resolute.

The backlash was immediate. Fans of LeBron, often referred to as “fanboys,” began to scramble for defenses, reaching for context like it was a magical spell that could erase history. But Stephen A. wasn’t having it. “Numbers don’t care about your feelings,” he said, driving home the point that the statistics from the 2011 Finals were damning. “Game one: five points in the fourth quarter. Game two: two points. Game three: two points. Game four: zero points. Zero in the Finals with Jason Terry and J.J. Barea guarding you. There is no explanation for that.”

The silence that followed his remarks was deafening. Here was a man who had built a career on bold statements, yet he was now articulating something that many had whispered but few dared to say aloud. Stephen A. was not just criticizing LeBron; he was challenging the very essence of what it meant to be the greatest of all time.

He didn’t stop at the 2011 Finals. Stephen A. drew comparisons to Michael Jordan’s career, highlighting the differences in their approaches to the game. “Jordan averaged 30 points ten times in his career, played all 82 games nine times, and was a nine-time All-NBA First Team defensive player,” he pointed out. “In year 22 or 23, you’re still chasing. That’s the part that hurts.”

The implication was clear: Jordan was the standard, a player who didn’t need to team up with other stars to prove his greatness. He stayed in Chicago and dominated the league, while LeBron had chosen to join forces with other superstars. “Jordan was trying to take your soul,” Stephen A. declared. “He wanted your heart. He wanted your confidence. He wanted you broken.”

As the conversation unfolded, it became evident that Stephen A. was not merely engaging in a debate; he was igniting a reckoning. The GOAT conversation, he argued, had become too fragile, protected by a media narrative that often shielded LeBron from criticism. “If one podcast clip can shake an entire fan base, maybe the argument wasn’t as solid as people claimed,” he said, forcing listeners to confront their biases.

The reactions poured in from all corners of the internet. Some fans praised Stephen A. for his honesty, while others accused him of being a hater. “You could see it on Ryan Clark’s face,” Stephen A. noted, referring to the stunned silence in the studio. “Silence tells you when something real just entered the room.”

As the discussion continued, Stephen A. emphasized that being in the GOAT conversation is not the same as winning it. “LeBron James is absolutely in the conversation,” he acknowledged. “But being in the conversation is not the same as winning it.” This distinction was crucial, and it resonated with those who had watched both players’ careers unfold.

The conversation around LeBron’s legacy is complex, filled with emotions and biases. Stephen A. challenged fans to reflect on their perspectives. “What has LeBron James done at any point in his existence that makes you believe he is anything like Michael Jordan, let alone better?” he asked, inviting listeners to engage in honest dialogue.

This moment was not just a critique of LeBron; it was a call to action for basketball fans everywhere. “Are you willing to talk about basketball honestly, or do you need heroes who can’t be questioned?” Stephen A. urged. “The greatest players ever don’t need protection. They survived the truth.”

As the episode concluded, the basketball community was left buzzing. Stephen A. had exposed a truth that many were uncomfortable facing, and the GOAT debate was now more contentious than ever. The question remained: was Stephen A. right, or had he crossed a line? The discussion was far from over, and the ball was now in the court of the fans.

In the days that followed, social media lit up with heated debates. Some defended LeBron fiercely, while others began to reconsider their positions in light of Stephen A.’s arguments. The conversation had shifted, and for the first time in a long while, fans were forced to confront the uncomfortable realities of the GOAT debate.

As the dust settled, one thing became clear: the legacy of LeBron James would continue to be scrutinized, and the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, would always find a way to surface. Stephen A. Smith had opened the floodgates, and now, the world of basketball was watching closely, eager to see where the conversation would lead next.