Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe’s emotions were running on Monday

FIRST Take star personality Stephen A. Smith and ex-NFL icon turned media analyst Shannon Sharpe had a fiery debate over who the NBA’s GOAT is.

The 56-year-old First Take host told Sharpe to “watch his mouth” after suggesting Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James can do things Micahel Jordan “could never.”

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe getting into an argument over Lebron JamesCredit: First Take

Sharpe claimed James does things that Michael Jordan could neverCredit: First Take
Guest host Christine Williamson joined Smith and Sharpe as she filled in for the absent Molly Qerim for Monday’s edition of the popular ESPN show.

The segment’s question was whether this was James’s last dance after his comments on Sunday, in which he seemingly hinted that retirement was near.

“Not very long,” James said when asked how much longer he plans to play following the Lakers 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

“I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure.”

“But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”

Despite his comments, James, who is 39 and in year 21 of his NBA career, is still playing at a high level.

He scored 40 points and hit nine three-point shots against the Nets, which Sharpe expressed is something we never saw Smith’s goat [Jordan] do.

Sharpe agreed that James’ retirement was nearing, but he also said the Lakers star could keep playing.

“He’s doing a podcast; he’s starting to prepare himself for things outside of basketball,” Sharpe said…

“You see Lebron preparing himself to do things outside the game of basketball… I’m not surprised he is saying he’s getting closer to the end than the beginning.”
NBA legend LeBron James admits ‘I’m on the other side of the hill’ as Lakers star opens up on retirement timeline_Twitter_jovanbuha
“He is 39 years of age and in year 21 and plays a professional sport. But I couldn’t tell. Did ya see that yesterday?”

“Ya GOAT could never. Ya, GOAT could never. Whoever your GOAT may be.”

Smith quickly fired back and joked, saying Jordan scored 40 points when he was 40 years old.

“You better watch ya mouth,” Smith said.

“You know exactly who my GOAT is… I saw the brotha drop 40 when he was 40.”

Williamson aged with Smith’s approval before getting the show back on track following the two stars’ rants.

The Lakers are 42-33 and currently the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

However, the team is playing well, winning seven out of their last ten games.

James is in his 21st NBA seasonCredit: Getty