When LeBron James announced he’d ‘take his talents to South Beach’ in the summer of 2010, it sent shockwaves through everyone not affiliated with the Miami Heat. The idea of the then-two-time MVP joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a superstar trio seemed almost unbeatable.
In light of this, the media asked Otis Smith, the Orlando Magic’s GM at the time, how he felt about this potential shift in power. Smith’s response, however, was far from fearful. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
“Is Kobe [Bryant] retiring? He’s proven he can do it on his own. Oops. My bad,” he remarked , per New Jersey Local News.
Smith’s jab at ‘King James’
Smith, who had begun his role in 2006, was usually recognized for being more reserved than bold. However, that boldness showed when he criticized James’s decision to join the Heat. The then- Magic GM, a former NBA player himself, said that he believed the basketball icon was “more of a competitor,” while noting that “great ones” typically achieve success independently and “usually stay in one location.”