Team USA news: Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has once again found himself in some hot water after his rather controversial remarks about LeBron James. According to Embiid, the Los Angeles Lakers talisman is no longer the same man he was many years ago, which is why there’s no guarantee that Team USA will be able to bring home the gold medal in the upcoming Olympics.
Well, Stephen A. Smith is having none of that from Embiid.
Team USA News: Stephen A. Smith Claps Back at Joel Embiid

On Monday’s episode of First Take, Smith just had to respond to Embiid’s polarizing comments. According to Stephen A., he does not appreciate what the Sixers center is trying to do here.
“I think it’s fair I just think…it’s like he’s managing expectations and I don’t like it,” Smith said. “… LeBron James is sensational. LeBron is so incredible for the game of basketball because, remember, the man’s brilliance can’t be denied. But it’s not just as a basketball player. It’s as a businessman, it’s as an ambassador it’s about all those things. When we want stars, we want what LeBron James gives us.”

After heaping more praise on LeBron, Smith then turned his attention to Embiid. The renowned ESPN broadcaster pretty much advised Embiid to keep his thoughts to himself until he has earned the right to talk about these matters.
“I don’t want to hear that,” Smith said. “I want to hear that after you win. Or I want to hear that from somebody else who has won. But you, no, no, no, no, no. I need you to be that dude that you are when you’re healthy so you can dominate and bring it home.”
.@stephenasmith reacts to Joel Embiid's comments that LeBron isn't the same player he was a few years ago 👀
"He's managing expectations and I don't like it." pic.twitter.com/biGLZdIffM
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 22, 2024
As always, Stephen A. never holds back with his brutally honest thoughts.

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