LeBron James is at least in the top five on Stephen A. Smith’s list. However, Shannon Sharpe disagrees with this notion but keeps him in his top 10. They reveal their top 10 picks with mostly similar players during a recent episode of First Take.

LeBron James Is At Least Top Five

While Gilbert Arenas considers James a once-in-a-generation player, Smith somewhat agrees. Despite being in his 21st season in the league, he’s still putting in work on the court, and the First Take co-host thinks it merits a top five on his list.

Their lists are in response to ESPN rating James ninth on their top 10 list. CBS also listed the star forward 12th on their list, just below Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Smith’s list goes as follows:

He focuses on why Jokic is above Antetokounmpo by listing out his positives.

“Jokic is the reigning defending NBA champion. Jokic is the one with the perimeter shot. Jokic is the one that can hit free throws. Jokic is the one with the phenomenal passing ability. I understand how dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo can be but nevertheless, I don’t have him ahead of Jokic.”

Stephen A. Smith

Then he quickly explains why Curry is at third, especially with his shooting and movement without the basketball. After all, he is Smith’s choice for best point guard ever.

Additionally, he focuses on why Davis is even in his top 10 list at all. Despite considering Davis a rollercoaster of a player, he still dominates the floor when he’s healthy.

“I know I call him six flags because he’s a rollercoaster. The bottom line is, when Anthony Davis is on his game, I can’t find seven players on the planet better than him.”

Stephen A. SmithSharpe Surprises Smith With His List

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

While his co-host shares a similar list, a change surprises the 56-year-old.

Shannon Sharpe’s list goes:

Smith focuses on the former NFL star putting James in the seventh spot on the list.

“I can’t breathe. You don’t have LeBron James top five? You don’t have GOAT James top five? You, Shannon Sharpe, you okay?”

Stephen A. Smith

Sharpe defends his take by saying that the 19-time All-Star missed too many games the past few seasons. He needs at least 65 games out of the superstar to consider moving him up the list.

“I gotta get 65 games outta him, I got to. And the last couple of years, I hadn’t been getting that. You can’t keep giving me 55 games, I need more. I demand more.”

Shannon Sharpe

The 38-year-old indeed missed a few more games than usual. However, does it warrant him to be this low on Sharpe’s list?

What would your top 10 list be for the NBA?