Summary of "Stephen A's Take: LeBron Slams ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Stephen A Comes to His Defense"

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Podcast: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the controversy surrounding LeBron James' recent criticisms of ESPN's Brian Windhorst. The discussion navigates through LeBron's influence in the NBA, his interactions with the media, and the repercussions of his actions on both Brian Windhorst and the broader basketball community.

LeBron James' Controversial Actions

Stephen A. Smith opens the conversation by addressing LeBron James' recent statements and actions that have stirred debate within the NBA and its media coverage.

Key Points:

• LeBron's Discontent with Media Coverage: LeBron James has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with how certain media outlets, particularly ESPN's Brian Windhorst, cover him and the NBA.

• Impact on NBA All-Star Weekend: LeBron's decision to abstain from participating in the NBA All-Star Weekend drew significant attention. Smith references LeBron's last-minute withdrawal, citing potential disagreements with the event's new format.

  "Wasn't it LeBron James that showed up and notified the NBA at the last minute that he wasn't going to be participating in NBA All Star Weekend?” ([01:45])

• Influence on Player Behavior: Smith highlights how LeBron's stance influenced other players, leading to a less competitive environment during All-Star games, as evidenced by the unusually high scoring in recent matchups.

  "LeBron James gave them, gave the players a side eye. And then all of a sudden they went out and allowed almost 400 points to be scored in the last All Star Game before this just passed, before this one just passed in 2025.” ([02:45])

Critique of Dan Gilbert and the Lakers Management

The conversation shifts to Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his outspoken nature regarding NBA decisions and player trades.

Key Points:

• Dan Gilbert's Public Statements: Smith criticizes Gilbert for interfering in league operations, particularly relating to player trades, such as the attempted trade for Chris Paul.

  "Dan Gilbert, who had nothing to do with the deal whatsoever, wrote an open letter to the league going absolutely ballistic as to how the Lakers could get the very, very best player in that trade, which was Chris Paul.” ([04:46])

• League's Response to Gilbert: The NBA, under Commissioner David Stern’s leadership, ultimately blocked Gilbert's efforts, showcasing tensions between team ownership and league management.

Defense of Brian Windhorst

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to defending Brian Windhorst against LeBron's criticisms, emphasizing Windhorst's professionalism and integrity as a journalist.

Key Points:

• Windhorst's Relationship with LeBron: Smith underscores that LeBron has previously expressed deep respect for Windhorst, noting that LeBron has lauded Windhorst's coverage since his early career.

  "LeBron was the one who sat in front of the microphones and said, probably nobody knows me better than Brian Windhorst who's been covering me since I was in junior high school.” ([05:55])

• Windhorst's Fair Coverage: Smith praises Windhorst for his unbiased and thorough reporting, asserting that Windhorst has not negatively impacted LeBron's image.

  "Nobody is more fair. Nobody digs deeper, maneuvers through the crevices to find the positive about LeBron James, no matter what, what the story is.” ([07:26])

• Criticism of LeBron's Recent Statements: Smith rebukes LeBron for his recent remarks on Pat McAfee's show, labeling them as unfounded and dismissive of Windhorst's journalistic efforts.

  "The BS that he spewed today and I have a response to it. That was not gonna happen.” ([18:30])

Notable Quote:

"Brian Windhorst is an exceptional commentator who does a phenomenal job for ESPN. My show, Get Up NBA Today Sports Centers, goes and covers the game. He is one of the elite people.” ([06:51])

LeBron's Legacy and Media Relations

Stephen A. engages in a broader discussion about LeBron's legacy, his standing among NBA greats, and his complex relationship with the media.

Key Points:

• LeBron on Mount Rushmore: Smith contemplates LeBron's place among the all-time NBA greats, suggesting that his on-court achievements merit his inclusion on basketball's Mount Rushmore.

  "I got him on the Mount Rushmore. I got him number two all time.” ([14:30])

• Comparison with Past Legends: The host draws parallels between current players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and past legends, emphasizing the evolution of the game and the importance of respecting prior contributions.

  "Would Julius Ervin have been who he was if it were not for Connie Hawkins? Would Michael Jordan had had a model to emulate and elevate beyond if it were not for Julius Ervin?” ([08:55])

• Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions: Smith criticizes how media narratives can influence public perception, especially when high-profile players like LeBron push back against certain journalists.

  "They're trying to classify me as somebody who would talk about him as a dad, as if I exposed something that was happening in the privacy of their home...” ([14:30])

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In his concluding statements, Stephen A. Smith reaffirms his commitment to unbiased reporting and his respect for LeBron's contributions to basketball, despite personal disagreements.

Key Points:

• Professionalism Over Personal Feelings: Smith emphasizes that his critiques stem from professional observations rather than personal animosity.

  "I don't have to like him to do that, and he doesn't have to like me in order for me to do it. I don't get paid to talk to him. I get paid to talk about him.” ([19:00])

• Respect for LeBron's Legacy: While critical, Smith acknowledges LeBron's significant impact on the game and expresses appreciation for his athletic prowess.

  "I wish him well. I'm looking forward to covering him as his career slowly crawls to its end, and I'll be one of the first thanking him for the greatness he's put on display as a basketball player.” ([19:30])

• Commitment to Ongoing Dialogue: Smith indicates that discussions about LeBron and related NBA topics will continue, underscoring the dynamic nature of sports journalism.

  "I will broach LeBron James any damn time I please. As long as he's playing this game, he's a relevant sports news topic.” ([19:40])

Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith provides a thorough analysis of the tensions between LeBron James and Brian Windhorst, spotlighting the intricate balance between athlete influence and journalistic integrity. Through passionate discourse, Smith defends Windhorst's professional standing while critically examining LeBron's approach to media relations and its ripple effects within the NBA.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nobody is more fair. Nobody digs deeper, maneuvers through the crevices to find the positive about LeBron James, no matter what, what the story is.” – Stephen A. Smith ([07:26])

• "He also went into today's players compared to yesteryear...” – Stephen A. Smith ([07:58])

• "I got him on the Mount Rushmore. I got him number two all time.” – Stephen A. Smith ([14:37])

• "I don't have to like him to do that, and he doesn't have to like me in order for me to do it.” – Stephen A. Smith ([19:18])

This comprehensive exploration offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the ongoing discourse surrounding one of basketball's most influential figures and the media personalities who cover them.