Stephen A. Smith agrees with JJ Redick’s praise of LeBron James, yet he’s puzzled by the necessity of Redick sharing it. Only three times in NBA history has a player aged 40 or older scored 40 or more points in a game. After Thursday night, LeBron now has two of those games, joining Michael Jordan as the only other player to achieve this milestone.
Following James’ impressive performance, Redick took a moment during the press conference to “glaze” over the 40-year-old superstar, passionately emphasizing his greatness to the media. On Friday morning’s First Take, Smith expressed confusion over the need for Redick’s remarks.
“I just hope that he wasn’t talking as if somebody didn’t notice that or people haven’t said that about LeBron James.” – Stephen A. Smith reacts to JJ Redick’s praise of LeBron pic.twitter.com/2rhEI0RdcC
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 21, 2025
“JJ Redick didn’t tell a lie. He said the absolute truth,” Smith conceded. “I just hope that he wasn’t talking as if somebody didn’t notice or people haven’t said that about LeBron James. When have people not said that about LeBron James?” Smith also referenced earlier criticism LeBron faced for exiting the All-Star Game shortly before it started; however, he countered that such criticism doesn’t diminish the acknowledgment of LeBron’s legacy.
“The guy has done so many great things,” Smith asserted. “Don’t think for one second that JJ Redick was saying something the world doesn’t know or shouldn’t know. This is one of the greatest players in NBA history, top two all-time as far as I’m concerned. And even with all that…people will have to learn this. Your story is completed only when it’s over. While you’re experiencing it, scrutiny comes with the territory.”
Smith’s perspective is valid. LeBron’s greatness shouldn’t shield him from criticism, nor should criticism overshadow his status as one of the best players in NBA history. Yet, perhaps Redick’s comments were less about calling out the media and more about celebrating James’ excellence on a night when he truly shined.
