Stephen A. Smith couldn’t help but praise LeBron James amid the Lakers’ win streak. During Thursday’s installment of “First Take,” the ESPN personality — whose feud with James has played out in the public eye — changed his tune on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and explained that “he has to be applauded” for how he’s playing.

A popular reporter tied to LeBron James made a strong statement about the legend’s belief in the Los Angeles Lakers right now and their chances of contending for a title. Brian Windhorst has covered LeBron since high school and has witnessed James more than any other reporter in the league.

Inner circles described Jeanie Buss’s private frustration over LeBron James‘ influence in the LA Lakers. Klutch Sports, which also managed Anthony Davis, in particular, became a target for the governor. She disapproved of Bron being called a ...