The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of a losing streak, with LeBron James sidelined due to a groin injury he sustained over a week ago against the Boston Celtics.
While James is now listed as day-to-day, the anticipation for his return is mounting as the Lakers look to secure their position in the Western Conference playoff race with just 17 games remaining.
In the midst of this, a major talking point has remained across the sports world from the Lakers' recent matchup with the New York Knicks last week. During the game, LeBron approached ESPN "First Take" co-host Stephen A. Smith and had a candid exchange with him, telling Smith to stop talking down on his son, Bronny James.
Check it out:
Wow: LeBron James actually left the team huddle before the fourth quarter to confront Stephen A. Smith
(via @LADEig, @TheFlightMike, @legendz_nba) pic.twitter.com/USi9s0V43y
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
Following the incident, many have voiced their opinions on the matter. While some agree with LeBron James' actions, others feel he could have handled it differently. However, NBA legend and TNT basketball personality Charles Barkley seems to be siding with James-not necessarily on the specifics of the confrontation, but for the simple fact that he wouldn't want James walking up to him angry in public.
"You gotta be careful talking about LeBron," Barkley jokingly said. "I don't want him running up on me. LeBron, get well soon. We love you. I don't want you whipping my [explicit] or anything like that in the stadium."
Bronny James was drafted with the 55th overall pick by the Lakers after spending one season at USC. While he's faced a lot of scrutiny, he's handled it well, much like LeBron, until a final tipping point.
Stephen A. Smith, while acknowledging he understands where James is coming from as a father, has made it clear that he doesn't regret what he said..
"That wasn't a basketball player talking to me... that was a dad," Smith said. "I'm thinking about the fact that, I'm incredibly sad that it had to happen... that a father was looking in my face... hostile, telling me to stop [explicit] with his son, when I was talking about him. But let me tell you, why I was most sad, because I wasn't wrong. I stand by what I reported. I stand by what I said at that time."
Related: Dwyane Wade Calls Out LeBron James After Stephen A. Smith Incident
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