LeBron James Speaks Out After Giannis Antetokounmpo Debate

LeBron James Speaks Out After Giannis Antetokounmpo Debate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

On June 13, during ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith called Giannis Antetokounmpo an "underachiever" if he doesn't add another ring to his collection. Since then, Smith has faced massive backlash from fans and analysts alike.

On Monday's episode, Jay Williams called it a horrible take and said Smith should work on framing his arguments better, even labeling it an "asinine" co mment.

Antetokounmpo himself fired back by reposting Mo Mooncey's tweet in his Instagram story. Now, LeBron James' stance on the whole ring‑culture debate has finally emerged.

In the latest episode of "Mind the Game," James called out this ring culture.

"It's funny. I don't know why it's discussed so much in our sport and why it's the A-all, B-all of everything." He said. "Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley and Steve Nash... like, 'Oh, they can't be talked about or discussed with these guys is because this guy won one ring or won two rings.' It's just weird to me."

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (23).© Gary A&period; Vasquez-Imagn Images

Even without a championship ring, Allen Iverson is considered one of the greats. 11 All‑Star nods, 2001 MVP, four scoring titles and a Hall of Fame career, proving that legacy isn't measured by rings alone.

"Just like saying Peyton Manning can't be in the same room with Bra dy or Mahomes because he only has one ring. They don't never discuss that in this sport."

"Jerry West went to like nine straight NBA finals. And was only able to win one. And he's the logo of our league. So you can't sit here and tell me that because he only won one, the guy can't be in the same room with the guy who won two or three or four." James added.

In fact, Antetokounmpo shares a historical spot with Michael Jordan. Both spent over twelve years with their drafting franchise, captured an NBA championship, won multiple MVP awards, and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.

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