LeBron James Confronts Stephen A. Smith Over Bronny James Criticism After Lakers Game
A post-game exchange between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith has become a major talking point after video footage of the encounter went viral. The incident, which occurred following the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night, involved James confronting Smith about the ESPN personality’s comments regarding James’ son, Bronny James. Smith addressed the confrontation at length on Friday’s episode of "First Take," providing his perspective on the situation and clarifying the nature of the exchange.
According to Smith, James’ approach was directly related to Smith’s criticism of Bronny James’ presence in the NBA, particularly the perceived influence of LeBron James in securing Bronny’s spot on the Lakers roster. Smith, who has been vocal about his belief that Bronny James is in the league primarily due to his father’s stature, explained that James took issue with these comments. Smith emphasized that the interaction was not a typical exchange between a basketball player and a media personality, but rather a father addressing concerns about his son.
"That was LeBron James coming up to me, unexpectedly I might add, to confront me about making sure I mind what I say about his son," Smith stated on "First Take." He further alluded to the intensity of James’ words, noting that he couldn’t repeat them on air due to FCC regulations. "That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me," Smith added. "That was a parent. That was a father."
The visual evidence of the encounter shows James approaching Smith courtside, speaking animatedly, and then walking away with a visible scowl. At the time, Smith was seated alongside Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and comedian Larry David. The incident took place shortly after reports surfaced announcing Smith’s massive contract extension with ESPN, reportedly valued at $100 million.
The confrontation adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Bronny James’ entry into the NBA and his performance thus far. Bronny, a rookie for the Lakers, has seen limited playing time, splitting his time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. This has fueled debate about whether he was drafted based on merit or due to his father’s influence, a point that Smith has repeatedly highlighted.
In the past, Smith has publicly called upon LeBron James to "stop this," arguing that it is widely understood that Bronny’s presence in the NBA is directly attributable to his father’s legacy. He has stated that he believes the pressure and scrutiny surrounding Bronny are unfair, given the circumstances. Smith also mentioned that James’ representatives at Klutch Sports had previously contacted him regarding his criticisms of Bronny.
Despite the tense exchange, Smith maintained that he was not personally offended by James’ actions. He acknowledged that he understands James’ perspective as a father fiercely protective of his son. However, Smith also expressed his preference for a private conversation, stating that James could have reached out to him directly to address his concerns.
"He could have called me. I’d have come to see him. I’d have had a conversation with him. He could have been just as upset face-to-face, man-to-man, as opposed to being courtside at the game," Smith explained. He admitted he was unaware the encounter had been widely captured until he saw the video online the next morning.
While Smith stood by his previous comments regarding the situation, he also expressed empathy for James’ position. "I wasn’t talking about Bronny. I was really, really talking about him because of the position that Bronny was in," Smith clarified, referring to LeBron James’ influence on Bronny’s career path. "But I really understood where he was coming from. He was very, very upset. "
Smith also touched upon his long-standing relationship with LeBron James, characterizing it as one that hasn’t been particularly friendly in recent years. However, he asserted that their professional disagreements don’t significantly impact either of them. "Smith noted Friday he and LeBron James have not had a good relationship for years, but neither of us lose sleep over it."
Ultimately, Smith downplayed the significance of the confrontation, emphasizing his understanding of James’ parental instincts and reiterating that he harbors no ill will. "And, in the end, like I said, as a father, I get it. I’m not offended. I’m not insulted. I don’t have any animosity, I have no animus towards LeBron James for this, nothing like that," Smith concluded.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between athletes, their families, and the media, especially in the age of instant social media dissemination. It also highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny that Bronny James faces as he navigates his early NBA career, further amplified by his father’s legendary status and the ongoing debate surrounding his path to the league. The situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly and will likely continue to be a topic of discussion within the NBA community for the foreseeable future.
