“He went to Los Angeles, he has honored his deal” - Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James deserves credit for always respecting his contracts

While the NBA is in the middle of a Kevin Durant news cycle, the LA Lakers' LeBron James somehow got compared to the star. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts on the recent developments in Brooklyn.

After almost two months of figuring out how the Brooklyn Nets will handle the Kevin Durant situation, both sides agreed to run it back. As shocking as this may be, there are some who saw the outcome after Durant made his request.

In Tuesday's statement announcing Durant's return, the team said Durant, coach Steve Nash, owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks met together on Monday.

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Over the past two months, new criticism of Durant emerged, and the media pointed out how didn't intend to fulfill his end of the deal.

A year ago, Durant signed a four-year $198 million extension with the Nets in hopes of leading them to a championship. However, after a rocky season, he demanded a trade on June 30. Smith compared Durant's moves to those in James' career.

"In the end, you cannot be a star in this league, forcing your way out of one franchise after another. It's bad for the game." Smith said. "We lament stuff about LeBron James in the past. The nerves of us all. LeBron James never dishonored a contract.

"He signed with Cleveland, and he honored it. He departed from Cleveland to go to Miami; he honored it. He went back to Cleveland from Miami; he honored it. He went to Los Angeles; he has honored his deal. So, we have to give credit where credit is due."

LeBron James remains a role model to many

To many younger NBA fans, they look up to LeBron James as the greatest player. To almost anyone, he's one of the greats, and they appreciate what he's done for the game of basketball.

His ability to stay with the team that signed him has helped him break records. Additionally, this attitude has helped him become the highest-earning player in NBA history, racking up half a billion dollars.

James has been criticized for how he's been unable to win all the Finals appearances that he's made. But some might be overlooking his other accomplishments. For example, this upcoming season, he is set to become the all-time scoring leader in NBA history. He'll be breaking the record that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has had for decades.

James is truly a generational talent, and his impact on the court won't get overlooked. Additionally, he may inspire future NBA stars to do better off the court to become better human beings.