The “face of the NBA” debate has been heating up, with followers and analysts arguing over who will take the mantle because the league’s subsequent famous person. Now, LeBron James has jumped into the dialog, firing again on the negativity surrounding the discourse.
Forward of the NBA All-Star recreation, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was requested if he was able to inherit this mantle as veteran gamers close to retirement. Edwards expressed reluctance, suggesting that rising skills like Victor Wembanyama could be extra becoming candidates.
James, who has carried the league’s highlight for almost twenty years, gave his ideas on why a participant like Edwards could be hesitant to embrace such a title.
LeBron James Calls ‘Face of the NBA’ Debate Pointless
The four-time champion lit up NBA corridors with chatters, exhibiting his solidarity with Edwards and boldly calling out analysts for fueling negativity within the “face of the NBA” debate. Chatting with reporters, James backed Edwards’ stand.
“Ant already mentioned he doesn’t need it. He ain’t making an attempt to take care of that s***,” James mentioned. “I imply, Channing Frye mentioned it the opposite day, too. Like, I imply, it’s unlucky, however, like, why do you wish to be the face of a league when all of the those who you already know that cowl our recreation and discuss our recreation on a day-to-day foundation s*** on everyone?
LeBron on Anthony Edwards’ assertion at All-Star that he isn’t striving to turn out to be the face of the NBA: “Channing Frye mentioned it … ‘Why do you wish to be the face of the league when all of the those who cowl our recreation and discuss our recreation on a day-to-day foundation s— on everyone?’” pic.twitter.com/dNHHrzWRiT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 28, 2025
James’ criticism of NBA analysts stirred some heated conversations. Stephen A. Smith, a veteran NBA analyst, went so far as calling it “full BS.” Showing on ESPN’s “First Take” on Feb. 28, Smith fired again on the 40-year legend.
“That’s BS. I’m going to name it as I see it; that is straight BS. I don’t recognize what he mentioned,” Smith mentioned.
Smith additional criticized James for backing out of the All-Star recreation and the way his choices severely impacted the Slam Dunk Contest.
“That is contemporary off from All-Star weekend, the place LeBron James elected to indicate up however not take part. Don’t get me began along with his 22 years within the league and the way he ruined the Slam Dunk Contest as a result of he’s the primary famous person that determined to not take part within the Slam Dunk Contest,” Smith added.
.@stephenasmith says he “would not recognize” LeBron’s feedback on Anthony Edwards changing into the face of the league
pic.twitter.com/EZjDrxZxcg
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 28, 2025
Smith’s remark began a back-and-forth because the four-time NBA Finals MVP responded with a collection of tweets to make clear his take additional. He emphasised that basketball is greater than any single participant and known as for extra significant discussions in regards to the recreation itself. Likewise, he additionally celebrated the sport’s international attain, the rise of younger stars, and the contributions of veteran gamers.
“Precisely made my level, however anyhow. Blissful this convo has began. It isn’t in regards to the ‘face of the sport,’ and it isn’t about one individual or one present, it’s in regards to the tradition of basketball, essentially the most lovely recreation on the planet,” James mentioned.
“Our recreation has by no means been higher. Unbelievable younger stars from everywhere in the world and a few older ones 
Steph Curry needs to be all we’re speaking about as we speak. Let’s talk about how nice OKC and the Cavs have been this season with 2 fully totally different kinds and break down why and the way they’ve. In fact, if gamers don’t carry out, we have to talk about that too and break that down,” he added.
Precisely made my level however anyhow. Blissful this convo has began. It ain’t about ‘face of the sport” and it ain’t about one individual or one present, it is in regards to the tradition of basketball,, essentially the most lovely recreation on the planet. Our recreation has by no means been higher. Unbelievable younger stars from…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
Moreover that, James additionally acknowledged that discussing participant performances is a part of the sport. Nonetheless, he known as out constructive criticism, one which conjures up the participant to try extra and permits room for progress slightly than defining a participant’s legacy too quickly.
“Even that may be mentioned in a means that’s to not carry finality to that participant’s recreation however to depart room to see how that participant responds, and let’s watch the journey of that participant.”
Even that may be mentioned in a means that’s to not carry finality to that gamers recreation however to depart room to see how that participant responds and let’s watch the journey of that participant.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
Lastly, the NBA veteran additionally registered his concern that fixed unfavourable narratives have been affecting each gamers and followers, urging everybody to understand basketball for what it’s.
“This isn’t about me both. At this level I don’t actually care about what’s mentioned about me; it’s at all times one thing. That is in regards to the affect the negativity is having on our lovely recreation and our followers. I do know I converse for lots of gamers and, extra importantly, a helluva lot of nice followers that actually love and have a good time this sport world wide. #MindtheGame 
”
This ain’t about me both. At this level i dont actually care what’s mentioned about me it’s at all times one thing. That is in regards to the affect the negativity is having on our lovely recreation and our followers. I do know I converse for lots of gamers and extra importantly, a helluva lot of nice followers…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
LeBron’s take appears easy. He desires the sport to be the first focus, not who represents it greatest. It’s the collective efforts of all of the gamers concerned that make the NBA nice.
