Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode Title: Stephen A’s Take: Carmelo tells Pippen to leave Lebron alone. Stay focused on your beef with Jordan
Release Date: January 29, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith dives deep into the recent controversial remarks made by Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen regarding LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The discussion escalates as Carmelo Anthony steps in to defend LeBron and Michael Jordan, challenging Pippen's assertions and defending the legacies of these basketball giants.

2. Scottie Pippen's Comments on LeBron and Jordan

The episode kicks off with Stephen A. Smith referencing a soundbite from Patrick Bet David's podcast where Scottie Pippen makes contentious statements about LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Key Quote:

• [01:20] Scottie Pippen: "When you ask who's better, LeBron or Michael, you can't ask me who's the goat between LeBron and Michael? Neither one of them are goats. They both won differently... Magic Johnson to me, is a bigger goat than anybody..."

Pippen dismisses both LeBron and Michael Jordan from the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) conversation, elevating Magic Johnson as the true GOAT due to his leadership and versatility.

3. Stephen A. Smith's Reaction

Stephen A. Smith reacts strongly to Pippen's comments, labeling them as "straight bullshit" and expressing his disagreement with Pippen's diminishing view of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Key Quotes:

• [02:12] Stephen A. Smith: "I'm trying to be nice. I really, really am. But what Scottie Pippen just said was some straight bullshit..."
• [04:07] Stephen A. Smith: "Scottie Pippen's opinion, he's a six-time champion... one of the elite defensive players the game of basketball has ever seen. You can never take that away from him. Okay, but the issue... is that it has waffled, it has wavered."

Smith acknowledges Pippen's achievements but criticizes his recent statements as inconsistent and bitter.

4. Carmelo Anthony's Defense of LeBron and Critique of Pippen

Carmelo Anthony joins the conversation, vehemently defending LeBron James and Michael Jordan while dissecting Pippen's criticisms. He argues that Pippen's comments stem from bitterness and a misunderstood understanding of basketball dynamics.

Key Quotes:

• [02:50 - 04:07]
  Carmelo Anthony: "You can't do this every time, though, Scotty... Leave that man alone. ... MJ's a goat this day, and Mike Lebron is a goat better than MJ this day... Magic's a five-time champion... Michael Jordan told them to their face there's a new sheriff in town."

Anthony emphasizes Magic Johnson's greatness and criticizes Pippen for not recognizing the evolving landscape of basketball greatness.

• [06:28 - 07:59]
  Carmelo Anthony: "The fact of the matter is... Magic's a five-time champion... They not even a quintessential prototypical point guard... ...Scottie Pippen... could it be because you're bitter?... hold out... could it be because when Michael Jordan retired and you went..."

Anthony attacks Pippen's credibility, suggesting his negative comments are rooted in unresolved issues from his playing days.

5. Heated Debate with Josh (Stephen's Nephew)

Stephen A.'s nephew, Josh, enters the fray, aligning partially with Pippen's stance but ultimately siding against Pippen's criticisms, further fueling the debate.

Key Quotes:

• [08:20] Josh: "I'm on Scottie's side in a way... Would Phil Jackson call the shot for somebody else if Michael Jordan was on the team?"
• [09:32] Josh: "Scottie Pippen only had a couple of... Playoff series without Jordan."
• [10:05] Carmelo Anthony: "Would you have refused? No, I wouldn't do that."

The conversation intensifies as Josh poses hypothetical scenarios about team dynamics without Michael Jordan, leading Stephen A. to challenge Josh's points and Carmelo to reinforce his arguments against Pippen.

6. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Stephen A. Smith firmly standing by Carmelo Anthony's defense of LeBron James and Michael Jordan, dismissing Scottie Pippen's recent criticisms as uninformed and emotionally driven. The heated exchange underscores the enduring debates surrounding the legacies of basketball's greatest players.

Key Closing Quotes:

• [10:53] Carmelo Anthony: "The Chicago Bulls are not a lesser version with Jordan than they were with Pippen. That ain't happening..."
• [11:35] Stephen A. Smith: "Cause you sound ignorant. Okay? You sound ignorant."

Notable Insights and Takeaways

• Legacy Debates: The episode highlights the ongoing debates about the greatest basketball players of all time, focusing on the perspectives of Scottie Pippen, Carmelo Anthony, and Stephen A. Smith.

• Emotional Underpinnings: Carmelo Anthony suggests that Scottie Pippen's criticisms may be rooted in lingering bitterness from past team dynamics and decisions.

• Leadership vs. Talent: The discussion emphasizes different aspects of greatness, with Magic Johnson praised for his leadership and adaptability, contrasting with Pippen's focus on individual accolades.

• Generational Perspectives: The episode showcases varying generational viewpoints on what defines the GOAT, with younger voices like Carmelo Anthony defending current legends like LeBron James.

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show presents a spirited and multifaceted discussion on basketball legends, legacy, and the subjective nature of greatness. Through robust debates and passionate exchanges, the show offers listeners a comprehensive look into the evolving narratives that shape the history of the sport.