The feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith hit a boiling point after their courtside confrontation during a Lakers-Knicks game at Crypto.com Arena went viral.
LeBron went on ‘The Pat McAfee Show ‘and addressed the incident publicly, insisting that his actions were about protecting his family and fellow athletes, not just about basketball.
However, Stephen A. Smith isn’t buying it and has fired back, standing by his comments and calling LeBron out for manipulating the situation.
“This Isn’t About Bronny” – Smith Stands His Ground
LeBron claimed that his issue wasn’t with basketball criticism but with how personal things had gotten. Smith, however, pushed back, saying that LeBron was twisting the situation to make it seem like Smith was targeting Bronny.
“LeBron James is full of it,” Smith said. “This is not about Bronny. It’s about LeBron. I’ve been talking about how his son was pushed into the spotlight, putting him in the line of fire. That’s not denigrating his son — that’s acknowledging that he’s not ready yet.”
Smith made it clear that his commentary wasn’t personal and that he was doing his job as a pundit. “I’m not attacking his family. I’m calling it how I see it,” Smith said. “I don’t lie to y’all — LeBron does, and he lies a lot. And that’s why I take this so seriously.”
“LeBron Did This” – Smith Highlights LeBron’s Role
Smith pointed out that LeBron created the narrative around Bronny’s NBA entry, referencing LeBron’s comments suggesting Bronny was “better than some NBA players” and his public statement that he’d “play for free” if a team drafted his son.
“How do you talk about Bronny without mentioning that LeBron said that Bronny was better than some NBA players before he got in the NBA. And ‘If you want me, draft my son’?” Smith questioned.
“LeBron did this. He put Bronny in this position.”
Smith argued that LeBron’s actions placed immense pressure on Bronny, making him a focal point of media discussions. He also called out LeBron for claiming to protect his family while putting Bronny under public scrutiny.
“What are you talking about protecting your house?” Smith asked. “What are you talking about? Your son ain’t at the house. He’s at the Crypto.com Arena. We’re covering him at downtown LA. Where you put him.”
Smith’s Challenge: “Name the Time and Place”
Smith accused LeBron of orchestrating the confrontation for the cameras, noting how LeBron waited for the third quarter to ensure the moment was captured.
“If you watch the video, notice how LeBron looks right past me at the camera after saying his piece,” Smith observed. “He knew what he was doing.”
Smith also revealed that he had offered to appear on LeBron’s show under two conditions — that LeBron be present and that there be no editing. “Name the time and place, and I’ll show up by my damn self,” Smith said. “But that offer was never taken up.”
“But LeBron wanted to give smoke, he didn’t want to take any. Brother don’t want smoke, he just likes to give it. Typical bully mentality. It ain’t working with me.“
