In the early part of the 2024-2205 season, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James vowed to play all 82 games of the season and for a while, he delivered on his promise, despite having some games where he did not look like his usual tip-top condition. However, just weeks ago, James missed his first game this season, and eventually even missed team practice due to “personal reasons.” This made news and sparked discussions within the industry, but sports personality Stephen A. Smith is not impressed by people making a big deal out of LeBron taking a break.
In one of the recent editions of his program “First Take,” Smith gave his honest comment on LeBron missing some Lakers games and some practice sessions, too, and how the media is making this story big news.
“This is the biggest non-story,” Smith said. “God forbid he took time off. It’s such a big deal.”
“Lebron James is approaching forty,” he continued. “He’s earned it, you want to take a week off so what.”
“This is the biggest non-story. … God forbid he took time off. … LeBron James is approaching 40, he’s earned it.” @stephenasmith on LeBron’s time away. pic.twitter.com/hEAkFYXuEa
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 16, 2024
LeBron is currently the oldest active NBA player and will turn 40 on December 30.
“LeBron James can get as much time off as he wants during the regular season,” he added. “Because at this point in time, we don’t give a damn about him—October to April. April to May—I ain’t saying June ‘cause they’re not gonna make it—April and May, that’s what it is.”
The 2024-2025 regular season of the NBA ends in April 2025, and the games would then shift to the Play-In Tournament and eventually the Playoffs 2025.
The NBA Finals will take place in June, in which Smith thinks the Lakers have no chance of making it to.
What LeBron James is Thankful For This Christmas
LeBron James has played 17 NBA Christmas games so far, and is set to play his 18th Christmas game for the 2024-2025 season. LeBron’s wife Savannah, in a podcast episode, talked about how he is playing “every single Christmas.”
“I feel like it’s every Christmas,” Savannah said. “Every single Christmas.”
“It definitely feels like that,” LeBron answered, echoing the sentiment.
Still, there is one thing that he is thankful for this Christmas.
“I love being in a position now where I can, you know, give gifts and bring happiness to my loved ones like that so you guys are right on point with that,” he said.
LeBron James came from a challenging childhood, being raised by his single mother, Gloria. James was scouted to play professional basketball and this turn changed the trajectory of his life.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
