LeBron James will ultimately have to hand over a torch that he is the face of the NBA, but he says he knows the crown is not wanted – and he knows one reason.
Anthony Edwards was considered one of the next to Torch Bearers, but during NBA All-Star Weekend, the Timberwolves star pointed his finger towards Spurs big man Victor Wenbanyama.
James said this week that he didn't attack Edwards' opinion because the 40-year-old said he understood why no one wanted a job.
The four-time MVP said that part of the reason is that the NBA has people who cover “ST is everyone.”
“Why do you want to be the face of the league, all those people who cover our game and talk about our game on a daily basis to everyone?” James said after the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves on Thursday. “That responsibility, that's a strange energy from people, you know, I don't know.
“Ali said he didn't want it. I didn't ask for it, but I knew I was responsible for it, not just my family, friends, my community, and those who were going to continue my journey throughout my career, but not just when I started there, but also those who were following my career all over the US and around the world when I traveled the world. I always took it seriously and from the start, I knew what it was to be an expert and what it was to be a role model.”
“I feel ant. I get it. I fully understand it. There's a strange energy about that,” James concluded.
James' answers were upset around the league and at least one media member.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith won the rail against 21 All-Stars on Friday morning, including himself, bringing James' “all people.”
“First of all, there are a lot of players who cover the league. They're former players,” Smith said in “First Take.” “They are not just reporters, they are former players. Former big time players, former hall of fame players, they also talk about the league. Is everything negative?
“When he talks about people covering the league, we know he's talking about me…and he's not just talking about people like me, he's talking about in the NBA.”
Smith also said James “introduced” TNT's famous “inside the NBA” panel “without saying their names directly.”
Following on-screen clapback, James took him to X to double his points on Friday night.
“I just made my point accurate anyway. I'm happy that this combo has begun,” James wrote. “It's not about the 'face of the game', it's not about a single show or a single show, it's about the culture of basketball, the most beautiful game in the world. Our games are better than ever before. Incredible young stars and some old stars from around the world [three laughing crying emojis] Steph Curry is everything we're talking about today. With two completely different styles, let's discuss how great OKC and Cavs are this season, and categorize why and how. Of course, if the player doesn't run, you'll need to discuss it and break it down.
“But instead of bringing finality to that player game, let’s take a look at that player’s journey, leaving room to see how that player reacts.
“This isn't even about me. At this point, I don't really care what's being said about me, it's always something. This is about the impact that negativity has on our beautiful games and fans. I know I'm talking for a lot of players. More importantly, I'm a great fan of so many great fans who really love and celebrate this sport around the world. #mindthegame.”
