“Brother’s approaching 40 and what he’s doing is phenomenal!” said Stephen A. Smith, oddly praising LeBron James amid his heated rant. Even though the league kick-started the preseason with a stellar contest in Abu Dhabi, it finally feels official. Yes, the veteran analyst’s heated rant against the LA Lakers‘ superstar ahead of their preseason opener screams, “Welcome to the NBA”. This time, A. Smith took James’ worrying Lakers’ take and spun it into an irate monologue.

The Lakers Nation has their eyes set on their superstar ever since he made the controversial statement at Media Day. Speaking of the Paris Olympics campaign, he said, “Felt great to play meaningful basketball. Like, literally play for the highest level.” Even though it seemed like James appreciated his star-studded team, the statement felt out of place at Media Day.

On the other hand, LeBron James surprised everyone again with his latest statement about his expectations for the Lakers’ upcoming season. The 39-year-old said, “I don’t have any expectations… And that’s unfair to put any expectations on us right now.” It may as well be a guideline in JJ Redick’s playbook to keep it down with media. However, the response didn’t sit well with Stephen A. Smith.

In the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the star analyst read out James’ statement and began with his rant. “You’re a Laker. The Lakers always have expectations. Always!” Notably, Smith expected the superstar to at least make a generic statement, and added, “But you can’t sit up there and say no.” 

Following that, he went on to highlight the competition in the West and made an important argument. “He also got a top 10 player in the world in Anthony Davis. It’s basketball the hell you mean, you don’t have any expectations, it be unfair. Bump unfair, You’re a Laker, not a Clipper.” As much as Stephen A. Smith focused more on LeBron James’ “Expectations” comment, it’s still a worrying sign for a Lakers fan for not getting his answers for the “Meaningful basketball” comment.

Why did LeBron James make the controversial “no expectations” statement?

Well, it’s hard to read one’s mind. But, going by the Lakers’ preparations and the players’ statement regarding JJ Redick’s grand orientation says something else. Max Christie, who has earned the trust of the coaching staff, said, “It was kind of the first time that we all really got together as a team in one setting,” speaking of Day 1 of training camp.

Max further added, “JJ and the staff had a big presentation for us about a kind of like team values, ground rules … so we can kind of wrap everybody around an identity that we want to have as a team so we’re one coherent unit.” So, it’s clear that the players have received strict guidelines on how to operate themselves as a team in the upcoming season.

On the other end, James, other than his expectations remark, also assuringly said, “Great first day. It was very detail-oriented… It’s a collision course for all of us… We’re all learning on the fly.” Hence, it’s unfair to come to a conclusion based on a statement. Last time we checked, LeBron James’ heart thrives to win another ring!

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.