JJ Redick Reveals How He Ended Up With 11 Stitches While Trying to Stop LeBron James

LeBron James has one of the most prolific careers in the NBA that anyone has ever seen. However, some decisions on his part, especially the one of leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers, has overtime led to some hatred towards him. In fact, the word some is an understatement. He is definitely one of the most despised players in the league. A lot of it also has to do with Michael Jordan fans dismissing his capability of being part of the GOAT debate.

Well, whatever the season may be, what he has achieved so far, is one that deserves credit. However, when some people try to look down upon him, there are a few who refuse to just be bystanders. One of them is J. J. Redick.

J. J. Redick continues to show support to LeBron James

Stephen A. Smith is an NBA analyst, whose opinions are as loud as his voice. In his most recent segment on ‘First Take’, he made a controversial comment about Bron and Michael Jordan instilling very different types of fear in their opponents. This did not sit well with Redick, who not only came to his defense but also revealed one of his stories against LBJ that candidly explained what he meant.

“We, collectively as a society, have damn near tried everything to somehow discredit or dismantle LeBron’s legacy,” he started off on his ‘Old Man and The Three’ podcast. “And all that guy has done is win, break records, build enterprises, build schools. There’s certainly a level of respect.”

“But for the fear factor…If you get into a playoff series with LeBron, you’re certainly fearful of who he is as a player– physically. I took a charge on LeBron my fifth year in Orlando. I caught his spin move perfectly. I ended up with 11 stitches under my eye. And I was standing there knowing he was going to make that spin move. Was I standing there in fear? Abso-f*cking-lutely. Abso-f*cking-lutely I was.”

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You can’t hate him, but can’t ignore him

Liking or disliking a player is very subjective and nobody has any control over it. But who will by the narrative that the L-train isn’t feared? Nobody would, even Reddick doesn’t.

So, it was quite a shock when Stephen A. said what he did. But he has just been a mere viewer, only somebody who has had to face the legend’s wrath, knows the reality. This is why Reddick’s story, definitely holds much more credibility than that of Smith’s.

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