ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith apologized to LeBron James on Thursday after the forward led the Los Angeles Lakers to a comeback 116–112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The Lakers overcame a 21-point deficit, thanks in large part to James. The four-time NBA champion outscored the Clippers himself in the fourth quarter 19–16. It was the biggest fourth quarter comeback in James’s nearly 21 years in the NBA.

The reason Smith felt the need to apologize is because he said the “Clippers going to bust their a– tomorrow night” on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday night’s game. Although he was referring to the Lakers as a whole and not James specifically, he wanted to highlight the 39-year-old’s incredible night.

“I owe LeBron James an apology, I just do,” Smith said on First Take. “LeBron James was sensational. To watch him in that fourth quarter, to watch him drilling those three’s, to know he’s in his 21st season, he’s 39 years of age. … I have to stand down, and I have to say on national television … his greatness was so sublime, so spectacular, I have to sit up there and pay homage and give major, major props to the one and only LeBron James.

“I apologize, LeBron James, I apologize ’cause Lord have mercy, he was something special last night.”

Is @stephenasmith APOLOGIZING to LeBron? 👀 pic.twitter.com/IY7WyiiiTQ

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 29, 2024

The Clippers remained in the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings with the loss, while the Lakers sit at the No. 9 position.

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