LA Lakers superstar LeBron James isn’t one to shy away from the spotlight, and his latest move proves it. He’s teamed up with former NBA superstar JJ Redick for a new basketball podcast called “Mind the Game,” and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has some thoughts!

First Smith gives props where props are due and congratulates his friend Redick and King James. Smith even acknowledges how the NBA is ripe with brilliant basketball minds. However, he doesn’t stop there.

Smith suggests LeBron James made a “brilliantly slick” move by partnering with JJ Redick. He argues that James could have easily shared his thoughts and opinions on his own platform, “Uninterrupted,” or with his comrades like Maverick Carter or Rich Paul. Instead, James chose JJ Redick.

JJ Redick, Smith’s co-host on ESPN’s First Take, had a 15-year-long NBA career and currently works as a commentator alongside Mike Green and Daris Burke on the NBA A-Team. He also has his own podcast and pops up on various shows.

But here’s the real sauce, according to Smith, James didn’t just pick a teammate, he picked a strategic partner. Smith explains, “When you get with somebody like a JJ, who knows the game, who’s a brilliant basketball mind but could be a bit truculent or… at times when somebody he believes is ignorant is in his face talking about the game, to have  a voice like that serves LeBron in a multitude of ways.”

Smith continues how this partnership ‘will provide James cover from the regular discourse that would serve to criticize or sully his name’. He further adds, “He [James] believes that’s beneath him so he got with somebody that will do it for him…it’s a brilliant move on LeBron James’ part, very slick and it will work like heaven against everybody except me.” Is Stephen A. Smith accurate in his assessment of James’ latest venture?

From The Court To The Booth: LeBron James’ New Podcast Business

James, a legend already in the basketball hall of fame, and Redick, a seasoned analyst with a championship ring, are taking a unique approach with their new Podcast. They’re bypassing corporate sponsorships for now, aiming to keep “Mind the Game” as organic as possible. This podcast is all about the love of the game or so they claim.

In a statement to the Athletic, LeBron said, “I’m really proud of what we’ve done to innovate in sports media…When I do a project, the only thing I think about is whether me and my friends would watch it. That is definitely the case with ‘Mind the Game.’ Everything doesn’t need to be designed for internet culture and clicks.”

Great ready for “Mind the Game”, it promises to be an entertaining and insightful journey into the world of basketball, with a dash of LeBron’s charisma and a sprinkle of Redick’s wit, Stephen A. seems to think it will work beautifully with the whole world, except for him of course! What do you think of James’ latest venture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.