The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to eight games after surviving the New York Knicks in overtime, 113-109, on Thursday.
The game, however, was also riddled with controversy after Lakers superstar LeBron James confronted ESPN host Stephen A. Smith face-to-face at halftime.
James wasn't happy that his son, Lakers rookie Bronny James, was included in Smith's recent scathing criticism of the future Hall of Famer.
Smith has broken his silence about his discussion with the Lakers veteran, saying he "can't sit and be angry or feel slighted" by LeBron James, who talked to him "as a father."
"I didn't want to have to address this," posted Smith on X as a teaser to his full response on his show on YouTube. "I wouldn't have, either, had it not gone viral. Now I have no choice."
NBA fans, however, slammed the controversial host, with many saying he should've explained himself in front of LeBron James.
"Nah...you should have addressed it with LeBron right then and there...don't come online and on TV and play the tough guy role now!" said a fan.
Nah...you should have addressed it with LeBron right then and there...don't come online and on TV and play the tough guy role now!
— TDMcClellan (@TorranceMcClell) March 7, 2025
"You have to say it on your show, but you for sure won't say it to LeBron's face," added an X user.
You have to say it on your show, but you for sure won't say it to Lebrons face
— 21 Million (@Blockchainwork5) March 7, 2025
"You folded like a lawn chair when LeBron approached you," wrote another fan.
"I call cap on you not wanting to address this," commented a fan.
"You been getting cooked for the past week or two," said another fan. "Time to change up the product a little bit, you got ya money now. Time to get back to SPORTS analysis."
Smith's post has attracted five million views, as of writing.
LeBron James, meanwhile, has yet to comment about the incident.
As Omar Little from "The Wire" said: You come at the king, you best not miss.
Related: Fans are Not Being Nice to LeBron James After Viral Comment
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This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM.