Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and NBA analyst JJ Redick launched a podcast in March, and it hasn't taken long for controversy to arise.
Sports personality Stephen A. Smith recently discussed the 'Mind the Game' podcast on First Take, where he claimed specifically that black coaches have an issue with James and Redick's collaboration.
"What I can tell you is this. Numerous coaches, black coaches, called me, expressing how they took issue with that podcast taking place," Smith said. "Some of them felt very salty about that, and we certainly are not blaming JJ Redick. You got your podcast, Maverick Carter approaches you, and I'd jump at the opportunity. [They are upset] because it hurt Darvin Ham. Any of us would do a podcast with LeBron James. I know I would. That would be an honor, so we're not faulting JJ in any way for doing the podcast or for the content on the podcast, but at some point in time we have to remember the things we've said about LeBron James as it pertains to his brilliance."
Stephen A. Smith says black coaches have an issue with JJ Redick doing a podcast with LeBron James
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2024
"Numerous coaches, Black coaches called me expressing how they took issue with that podcast taking place."
(h/t @awfulannouncing )
pic.twitter.com/8tTPKZipco
Fans were frustrated by the way Smith approached the conversation, as they believe race has no connection to the situation. Instead, coaches were simply frustrated by James spending hours discussing hoops with a potential coaching candidate.
