Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is the face of the NBA, but he understands why others would be hesitant to take that title when he retires.

NBA Commissioner Didn’t Hesitate Picking Between LeBron James, ...

After the Lakers’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, James reflected on Anthony Edwards’ comments during All-Star Weekend. When asked if he wanted to be the next face of the league, Edwards said no.

“I mean, it’s unfortunate, but 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 [expletive] on everybody?”, James asked.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took James’ comments personally, and called him out for skipping this year’s All-Star Game and never participating in the slam dunk contest.

Smith also mentioned TNT’s “Inside the NBA” panel, which has been criticized for negative coverage of the league and its players.

Before the Lakers took on the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, James responded to Smith on social media, saying that Smith taking offense to his opinion and immediately responding with more negativity proved his original point.

“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,” said the four-time NBA champion.

LeBron in Utah.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 12, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

James said that there is room for criticism in analysis, but that the criticism shouldn’t become part of the overall narrative about a player or team.

“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,” he continued in another message.

“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.”

James has expressed his point definitely, but Smith is likely to respond to continue the back-and-forth between them. We’ll see if it ends there, but it’s clear that James and many others who follow the NBA or participate in it are frustrated with the state of NBA media.