The “face of the NBA” debate has been heating up, with fans and analysts arguing over who will take the mantle as the league’s next superstar. Now, LeBron James has jumped into the conversation, firing back at the negativity surrounding the discourse.
Ahead of the NBA All-Star game, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was asked if he was ready to inherit this mantle as veteran players near retirement. Edwards expressed reluctance, suggesting that emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama might be more fitting candidates.
James, who has carried the league’s spotlight for nearly two decades, gave his thoughts on why a player like Edwards might be hesitant to embrace such a title.
LeBron James Calls ‘Face of the NBA’ Debate Pointless
The four-time champion lit up NBA corridors with chatters, showing his solidarity with Edwards and boldly calling out analysts for fueling negativity in the “face of the NBA” debate. Speaking to reporters, James backed Edwards’ stand.
“Ant already said he doesn’t want it. He ain’t trying to deal with that s***,” James said. “I mean, Channing Frye said it the other day, too. Like, I mean, it’s unfortunate, but, like, why do you want to be the face of a league when all the people that you know that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s*** on everybody?
LeBron on Anthony Edwards’ statement at All-Star that he isn’t striving to become the face of the NBA: “Channing Frye said it … ‘Why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s— on everybody?’” pic.twitter.com/dNHHrzWRiT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 28, 2025
James’ criticism of NBA analysts stirred some heated conversations. Stephen A. Smith, a veteran NBA analyst, went as far as calling it “complete BS.” Appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” on Feb. 28, Smith fired back at the 40-year legend.
“That’s BS. I’m going to call it as I see it; this is straight BS. I don’t appreciate what he said,” Smith said.
Smith further criticized James for backing out of the All-Star game and how his decisions severely impacted the Slam Dunk Contest.
“This is fresh off from All-Star weekend, where LeBron James elected to show up but not participate. Don’t get me started with his 22 years in the league and how he ruined the Slam Dunk Contest because he’s the first superstar that decided to not participate in the Slam Dunk Contest,” Smith added.
.@stephenasmith says he "doesn't appreciate" LeBron's comments on Anthony Edwards becoming the face of the league 👀 pic.twitter.com/EZjDrxZxcg
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 28, 2025
Smith’s comment started a back-and-forth as the four-time NBA Finals MVP responded with a series of tweets to clarify his take further. He emphasized that basketball is bigger than any single player and called for more meaningful discussions about the game itself. Likewise, he also celebrated the game’s global reach, the rise of young stars, and the contributions of veteran players.
“Exactly made my point, but anyways. Happy this convo has started. It isn’t about the ‘face of the game,’ and it isn’t about one person or one show, it’s about the culture of basketball, the most beautiful game in the world,” James said.
“Our game has never been better. Incredible young stars from all over the world and some older ones 🤣🤣🤣 Steph Curry should be all we are talking about today. Let’s discuss how great OKC and the Cavs have been this season with 2 completely different styles and break down why and how they have. Of course, if players don’t perform, we need to discuss that too and break that down,” he added.
Exactly made my point but anyways. Happy this convo has started. It ain’t about ‘face of the game” and it ain't about one person or one show, it's about the culture of basketball,, the most beautiful game in the world. Our game has never been better. Incredible young stars from…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
Besides that, James also acknowledged that discussing player performances is part of the game. However, he called out constructive criticism, one that inspires the player to strive more and allows room for growth rather than defining a player’s legacy too soon.
“Even that can be discussed in a way that’s not to bring finality to that player’s game but to leave room to see how that player responds, and let’s watch the journey of that player.”
Even that can be discussed in a way that’s not to bring finality to that players game but to leave room to see how that player responds and let’s watch the journey of that player.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
Lastly, the NBA veteran also registered his concern that constant negative narratives were affecting both players and fans, urging everyone to appreciate basketball for what it is.
“This isn’t about me either. At this point I don’t really care about what’s said about me; it’s always something. This is about the impact the negativity is having on our beautiful game and our fans. I know I speak for a lot of players and, more importantly, a helluva lot of great fans that truly love and celebrate this sport around the world. #MindtheGame 💭🧠👑”
This ain’t about me either. At this point i dont really care what’s said about me it’s always something. This is about the impact the negativity is having on our beautiful game and our fans. I know I speak for a lot of players and more importantly, a helluva lot of great fans…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025
LeBron’s take seems simple. He wants the game to be the primary focus, not who represents it best. It’s the collective efforts of all the players involved that make the NBA great.
