Stephen A. Smith has recently opened up about a confrontation he had with LeBron James back in March, discussing the tension that emerged from comments he made regarding James’ son, Bronny James. During a podcast appearance on October 20, Smith expressed his feelings about the NBA star, suggesting there is a disparity between how James presents himself publicly versus privately. He conveyed his disdain for the way James portrayed him in this situation, feeling that James attempted to paint him as someone who would go after a family member.
Recalling the incident, Smith detailed how James confronted him during a Lakers game, which coincided with the announcement of Smith’s contract renewal with ESPN. He described the confrontation, noting that James approached him in the third quarter after his criticisms which had reportedly upset the Lakers star. Smith commented on the viral camera angle that captured the moment, lamenting that it only showcased James’s emotions while leaving him largely in the background.
When asked if he believes he was set up during the exchange, Smith affirmed his suspicions, stating he felt like a target in that moment. He acknowledged the incident’s impact but insisted he was initially unbothered, interpreting James’s reaction as a father’s natural defense of his son. However, his view shifted after James referred to himself “as a father” during a discussion with Richard Jefferson on ESPN shortly after their confrontation, leading Smith to feel disrespected.
Smith emphasized that attacking someone’s family is not within his character, and he found it deeply offensive that James implied otherwise. He pointed out that while he understood James’s initial anger, direct communication would have been preferable to a shouting match. This situation has highlighted the complexities of relationships between sports figures and media personalities, particularly when family is involved.
Adding another layer to this narrative, it was previously reported that LeBron had expressed his concerns to Smith regarding the latter’s commentary on Bronny, underscoring that criticisms of family members should be approached with sensitivity. Overall, the incident underscores the nuances of public life and personal relationships in the world of sports, revealing how quickly tensions can escalate and the importance of open dialogue.