The fallout from LeBron James‘ interview with Pat McAfee has sparked a range of opinions from critics, basketball fans, players, and others. LeBron and Stephen A. Smith continue their back-and-forth through social media and various television appearances. Smith was joined by former NBA player Kendrick Perkins and journalist Brian Windhorst.
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Kendrick Perkins claimed that the way the NBA is covered hasn’t changed at all since he entered the league. Perkins and James were both in the 2003 NBA Draft class. As Perkins has become more immersed in sports media, his opinions have rubbed players the wrong way. Smith noted that Perkins calls LeBron the greatest, yet he’s been blocked for criticizing him.
“Stephen A., let me say this to you — he unfollowed me, and I blocked him on my cell phone,” Perkins told Smith on First Take this morning. Smith also mentioned that LeBron called a journalist who went to the same high school as him “weird.”
Brian Windhorst has been on record calling LeBron the greatest and is considered one of his biggest advocates throughout his career.
“Brian Windhorst has been covering LeBron James the way that LeBron raves about how the game should be covered — since high school. This man talks about drama, yet he has a production company that creates drama. He’s created drama himself, like when he was in Boston and decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
Smith also pointed out that LeBron had given Windhorst his flowers in the past, so turning his back on him yesterday for content was truly confusing. He added that LeBron is always aware of what’s going on and suggested that James only hears criticism, never the praise — a dynamic that shows the complicated relationship between media and players today.
“That’s how petty you’ve become? When has LeBron James ever done something like that? This man is in his feelings. I wonder why? Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the GOAT?”
LeBron mentioned he will continue his Mind the Game podcast, this time with former Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash. His previous co-host was current Lakers coach JJ Redick. Perkins questioned why LeBron chose Nash and hinted at why LeBron only seems to choose white co-hosts.
Take a look at the videos and catch up on the tension the trio discussed.
