Stephen A. Smith has apologised to LeBron James for saying “the Clippers going to bust their a– tomorrow night” on Tuesday.
After he made the comments, James outscored the Clippers 19-16 in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to victory despite being down by as much as 21 points.
Now, Stephen A. says it’s time for him to “stand down”.
Is @stephenasmith APOLOGIZING to LeBron? 👀 pic.twitter.com/IY7WyiiiTQ
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 29, 2024
“I owe LeBron James an apology, I just do,” Smith said on First Take. “LeBron James was sensational. To watch him in that fourth quarter, to watch him drilling those three’s, to know he’s in his 21st season, he’s 39 years of age.
“… I have to stand down, and I have to say on national television … his greatness was so sublime, so spectacular, I have to sit up there and pay homage and give major, major props to the one and only LeBron James … I apologize, LeBron James, I apologize ’cause Lord have mercy, he was something special last night.”
It’s been an incredible season from LeBron, who is averaging 25.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game in his 21st season.
James has already scored more points in his 21st season than every other player combined.
The only problem, of course, is that there Lakers are still rather underwhelming for the most part.
The team is currently sitting at 32-28 and did not make any trades at the deadline, despite LeBron not-so-subtly applying constant pressure for them to do so.
The Lakers will return to the court tomorrow when they face the Washington Wizards at home, before continuing their home stand with a game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
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