Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently made headlines for engaging in a heated confrontation during the Lakers contest against the New York Knicks last Thursday. Now that the dust has settled, Smith let everyone know how he really feels about what James did to him.
Throughout the year, Smith has been critical of LeBron's son, Bronny James, who is a two-way player for L.A.. LeBron apparently had enough after beating the Knicks, as he confronted Smith after the game. In a leaked conversation with one of his former teammates, Richard Jefferson, LeBron appeared to explain his side of the story.
"That's the only thing I'm tripping," James said in a clip posted on X by @legendz_NBA. "I don't give a (expletive). Once he talks about, ‘I'm pleading to you as a father.' I can't."
Smith is known for his unfiltered takes, but it appears his commentary towards Bronny made LeBron snap. When asked about the incident, Smith said he understands where LeBron is coming from, but that doesn't mean agrees with how he handled the situation.
"I thought it was weak. I thought it was some (expletive). But in the moment, I knew that I was listening to a father," Smith said on "Gil's Arena."
"I thought it was weak. I thought it was bullsh*t."@stephenasmith gives @GilsArenaShow the full story of what happened during his confrontation with LeBron pic.twitter.com/K6rtZsbYvf
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) March 11, 2025
Bronny's arrival in the NBA has been met with some irritation among fans, as they believe he's only in the NBA because his father is LeBron. In 18 games with the Lakers this season, Bronny is averaging 1.4 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game while shooting an ugly 25.8% from the field.
LeBron, meanwhile, has continued to lead the Lakers towards a playoff berth, despite turning 40 earlier this season. Through 58 contests, LeBron is averaging 25 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game. He is currently sidelined due to a groin injury he suffered in Los Angeles' loss to the Boston Celtics last Saturday.
Related: Stephen A. Smith Makes Deion Sanders, Cowboys Prediction
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM.