Who are the Big 3 of the current NBA generation? We’re sure you didn’t even think twice before saying- LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Undoubtedly, the holy trio of Team USA has given its fans memories and moments worth remembering forever. But now as one season rolls into another, the ever-scary uncertainty of sudden retirement announcements has spread its wings. Therefore, before time runs out, former Milwaukee Bucks legend Oscar Robertson, schools the audience on the magic of their gameplay.

Oscar Robertson was a guest on the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast with ex-NBA champs Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. At the show, the 85-year-old NBA icon tutors some important lessons on basketball. Moreover, his approach to the topic of LeBron James is worth listening to intently. He took a tough stance on the critics who chose to blame the Olympian every time his team lost a game.

We’re coming to the end of a run for three particular great players- LeBron, Steph, and KD. There’s no telling how long they’re playing, but it’s not going to be too much longer. What does the former point guard think about those three and what they’ve been able to bring to the game?

“I think they’ve been sensational myself because they positioned themselves where they helped enable the league to go forward…these huge contracts from these people, whatnot,” reminded Robertson. Michael Jordan is widely considered the pioneer who brought the NBA to the international stage. However, thanks to ‘King James,’ who took the league to the pinnacle of fame.

The legend further said on ALL THE SMOKE, “When they step on the floor, it’s exciting. They generate a lot of talk with the new, new people.” Following this conversation, 12x NBA All-Stars harshly criticized the critics. “(I’ll say this again) sometimes when LeBron, the Lakers don’t win they say ‘Oh LeBron turned the ball over. He did this, he did that.’ But what about those other guys on the team? Aren’t they getting paid?” 

According to the legendary hooper, the critics and media have played a big role in villanizing LeBron James on days when the Los Angeles Lakers miss out on winning games. However, these naysayers ignore that the King of the court isn’t the only player on the team.

LeBron James has faced severe blows of criticism over the last 20 years

Fame has its own shadow, it’s called hatred and criticism. Well, someone like LeBron James has both, but everything is puny before the love he gets from his fans. However, there are occasions when even the fans look away from the King. Remember when LeBron switched from the Heat to the Cavs in 2014? Supporters of the Miami side marked that episode with harsh comments and reactions. They of course didn’t like the idea of James going back to his former team.

Meanwhile, following the 2024 Paris Olympics win, the 20x NBA All-Star faced backlash for allegedly behaving rudely with a young French fan who wanted to click a selfie with LeBron James. Fans took to social media to ‘bash’ the Lakers wingman for his “insensitive” attitude. Fans didn’t miss out on criticizing LeBron when Bronny James was picked 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Why? Just because Bronny James is his firstborn!

Criticism is a part of a celebrity life and LeBron James might be one of the most celebrated stars of America. Therefore, fans closely scrutinize both his achievements and failures. But the fact that it’s only a matter of time before LeBron announces his retirement also feels unreal; but someday it will happen. Until then, we’ll get to watch the King at play. What a relief!