Stephen A. Smith recalls a LeBron James mistake on his first GOAT debate vs. Shannon

The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and the Lakers star LeBron James continues, this time with their first interaction before Shannon's Sharpe debut on Monday in ESPN's First Take.

LeBron James’ decision to pass up a potential game-winning shot in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game was cited by ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith as one reason why Michael Jordan was better than James.

In their discussion on who is the GOAT, Smith stated to Sharpe how the trio of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony all immediately criticized James for his game decision.

“The following year with the All-Star Game,” Smith said. “You got the ball in your hands. It’s an exhibition. It’s an exhibition. It doesn’t count. It’s all in fun. Kobe claps his hands, God rest his soul, and he’s like, ‘Yo, come on with it.’ You got D-Wade on the court. You got Melo in the corner, and he threw the pass. All three of them, along with Kobe, descended on LeBron and said, ‘Yo, what’s up? What you doin’?’ Because they knew he was psyched out. He was messed up.”

The debate will continue as this was only a taste of the endless GOAT debates that Sharpe & Smith will be having

Ultimately, Smith's hot take about that LeBron James moment in 2012 is not going to affect the GOAT debate, as his assessment really doesn't carry any more weight on a great career like LeBron James has had in 21 uninterrupted years in the league.