Stephen A. Smith called out LeBron James and other NBA players for their game-day attire during a segment on First Take.
“All that damn money LeBron and them making, you can’t dress better than that?” Smith said. “I’m so happy Pat Riley brought that up…All this money y’all make, dressing like y’all shopping at Target or something.”
Smith’s comments came after a discussion on NBA players’ influence off the court and the expectations around their public image. He highlighted the disconnect between the salaries players earn and the style they display at arenas.
LeBron, a four-time NBA champion and four-time Finals MVP, has long been a trendsetter, but Smith suggested that many current players, including James, fall short of the standards expected for high-profile athletes.
The debate over NBA fashion has gained attention in recent years, with some executives and media figures urging players to present themselves in a way that matches their public profiles and endorsements.
Smith praised the example set by Pat Riley, noting that the Miami Heat president’s focus on professionalism extends beyond the court and into personal presentation.
With NBA salaries continuing to rise—LeBron earns a reported $47 million in 2025-26—the spotlight on players’ appearances remains intense.
