Stephen A Smith criticizes LeBron James' GOAT credentials on podcast
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 4:53 AM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith reiterated his stance on the NBA's GOAT debate during an appearance on Chad Johnson's podcast on June 6, 2026. Smith maintains that Michael Jordan remains his top choice over LeBron James, despite acknowledging James as a close second. During the discussion, Smith pointed out that while James is the all-time leading scorer, he still has two fewer championships than Jordan, who he noted played 23 seasons and won six titles. Smith’s criticisms, which included comparisons of their accolades and performance in the postseason, have reignited discussions surrounding the NBA GOAT debate. This isn't the first time Smith has made these claims, as he has been vocal about his opinion on the matter for nearly a decade.
- •Stephen A Smith appeared on Chad Johnson's podcast on June 6, 2026.
- •Smith ranked Michael Jordan as his number one, LeBron James second.
- •Smith emphasized Jordan's six titles compared to James' four.
- •He criticized James' longevity in relation to championship success.
- •This discussion continues ongoing debates on NBA player legacies.
- 4:53 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith Shuts Down LeBron James’ GOAT Debate with Brutal Michael Jordan Argument
- 6:10 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A Smith rips apart LeBron James’ GOAT status
"Throughout his 23-year NBA career, LeBron James has built a resume that consistently places him at the center of the league’s greatest-of-all-time debate. Discussions comparing James and Michael Jordan have dominated basketball conversations for years. Among those firmly in Jordan’s corner is veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith. Stephen A. Smith Drops Bombshell on LeBron James [...]
"Once again, ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith finds himself at the center of one of the most heated basketball debates of all time: Who is the GOAT of the NBA? Of course, the two players at the point of this…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 4:53 AMStephen A. Smith Shuts Down LeBron James’ GOAT Debate with Brutal Michael Jordan Argument
Throughout his 23-year NBA career, LeBron James has built a resume that consistently places him at the center of the league’s greatest-of-all-time debate. Discussions comparing James and Michael Jordan have dominated basketball conversations for years. Among those firmly in Jordan’s corner is veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith. Stephen A. Smith Drops Bombshell on LeBron James [...]
- Yahoo SportsJun 7, 2026, 6:10 PMStephen A Smith rips apart LeBron James’ GOAT status
Once again, ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith finds himself at the center of one of the most heated basketball debates of all time: Who is the GOAT of the NBA? Of course, the two players at the point of this…
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