Stephen A. Smith chides Scottie Pippen over LeBron James: ‘you were never that’

Scottie Pippen sparked controversy during his recent appearance on the “PBD Podcast,” where he declared himself a superior team player LeBron James. Pippen, who boasts six NBA championships, claimed his success came without chasing rings, unlike LeBron, who moved teams to secure titles. While Pippen the comments sparked debate, Stephen A. Smithknown for his candid shots, was quick to fire back, BasketballNetwork reports.

“LeBron James is one of the two or three best players in the history of basketball, and you know it,” Smith began on his show. He reminded Pippen of previous statements in which Pippen suggested LeBron could even surpass Michael Jordan. Smith then offered a scathing critique of Pippen’s career, noting that while Pippen excelled defensively, he never matched LeBron’s offensive dominance.

“There were several times when you said he was better than Michael Jordan.” You know that was blasphemy. But you’ve never been much of an offensive player, Scotty.

Smith highlighted the stark differences between the two stars, focusing on their ability to lead teams. LeBron won titles in three cities, leading teams in Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles to championship glory. In contrast, Pippen struggled when he was in the spotlight during Michael Jordan’s first retirement in 1993. Despite winning the All-Star Game MVP award that season, Pippen was unable to lead the Bulls past the second round of the playoffs.

The chase debate

Pippen’s assertion that he is a cleaner champion resonated with some fans who value loyalty over mobility. However, Smith debunked this argument by pointing out that Pippen’s success was inseparable from Jordan’s leadership. “If you were really that guy, you’d do what Kobe did to Shaq,” Smith argued, suggesting that Pippen never emerged as the team’s undisputed leader.

Smith also emphasized LeBron’s unparalleled ability to adapt and succeed in different environments. “We can accuse LeBron of many things, but the brother has four rings.” He entered ten finals. And by the way, he never had a migraine in Game 7.” The commentary referenced Pippen’s infamous absence during a key playoff game, which has long been a mark against his legacy.

While Scottie Pippen remains an all-time great, Smith’s defense of LeBron established him as a transcendent player whose career redefined basketball greatness. Smith’s rebuttal highlighted the challenges of comparing players across eras, especially when metrics of size vary so much.