ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith reignited the NBA’s most enduring debate during his recent appearance on the Ball in the Family podcast, declaring that LeBron James cannot “stat-pad his way” to GOAT status, especially with the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smith reaffirmed his long-standing belief that Michael Jordan remains the greatest basketball player of all time. Speaking with Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball on their podcast, Smith didn’t mince words:
“We don’t look at the Lakers and see a championship team. You ain’t beating Oklahoma City. You ain’t beating Denver. Just understand: it doesn’t buy you GOAT status. You’re not getting that.”
Smith emphasized that while LeBron’s statistical accomplishments are historic, they don’t outweigh the lack of recent team success.
“Michael Jordan is my GOAT, without question,” Smith added. “I’ve been saying that since the man retired and there ain’t a damn person who can change my mind.”
Stephen A. Smith doubles down on LeBron’s stat padding: it don’t buy you GOAT status 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JTEgEuR5Sz
— Ball In The Family Podcast (@ballinthefampod) November 11, 2025
Smith argues that Jordan’s dominance, killer instinct, and perfect Finals record outweigh LeBron’s longevity and statistical accumulation.
Stephen A”s use of the term “stat-padding” refers to the perception that LeBron continues to chase individual milestones even as his team’s championship prospects diminish. While many analysts praise LeBron’s ability to maintain elite production into his 40s, Smith sees it as insufficient for GOAT consideration.
“You’re in your 23rd year and you’re accumulating all of these stats, but you ain’t winning another MVP and you ain’t winning another Finals,” Smith said in a separate segment on First Take.
The debate continues to divide NBA circles, with younger fans leaning toward LeBron and older generations remaining loyal to Jordan.
LeBron is expected to return from a sciatica-related absence in the near future. Whether his presence can elevate the Lakers into true contention remains to be seen.
