The ongoing public back-and-forth between ESPN First Take host Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has continued to dominate NBA discussions over the past couple of weeks. Notably, James appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday for over an hour, engaging in a wide-ranging conversation that touched on his opinions about Smith, the NBA, and how the media, in general, covers the league.
During the interview, James took the opportunity to emphasize how the voice of the player has gained more prominence in recent years. He expressed his belief that the media has become too comfortable in how it covers athletes. Additionally, he reflected on his infamous Decision television special, where he announced his move to the Miami Heat, stating that it served as a turning point the media used to cast him in a negative light.
Meanwhile, ESPN Radio host Michelle Smallmon defended how the media covers high-profile athletes like James. Speaking on UNSPORTSMANLIKE alongside co-hosts Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, she argued that the media’s job is not to act as cheerleaders for players but rather to critically analyze their performances and public statements.
“Just like Aaron Rodgers complaining about the media, LeBron James cannot complain about the media because he is the media,” Smallmon stated. “Whenever you have your own podcast, whenever you have your own show, you are the media. So you’re complaining about a construct that you willingly participate in. It might be different from what he’s suggesting regarding reporters, but at the end of the day, you can’t pick and choose the parts you don’t like when you actively engage in it all the time—especially when it benefits you financially and helps you get your message across.”
Expanding on her point, Smallmon also noted that an athlete’s brand benefits from media coverage, as it increases visibility and creates financial opportunities.
“It’s not always going to be positive,” Smallmon stated. “As the media, it’s our job to dissect and analyze your performance and the things that you say. That’s part of the gig.”
James, however, joined McAfee not just to discuss these issues but also to promote the return of his podcast, Mind The Game, which features former NBA teammate Steve Nash. The second season of the podcast is set to launch on April 1, as revealed in a trailer released on Wednesday. It will be available for streaming on YouTube, Prime Video, and all major podcast platforms.
Interestingly, Smallmon pointed out the irony in James’ critique of the media, given that he himself is increasingly stepping into a media role through ventures like Mind The Game.
“It’s a symbiotic relationship,” she explained. “You have to talk to the media. The media then writes about you, talks about you, and broadcasts about you. That helps your overall brand, which in turn helps your wallet. That helps your pocket.”
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