Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James defended his son as he fired back at ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday, weeks after an on-court argument at a New York Knicks game became social media fodder.
The dispute centered around James’ son, Bronny, a rookie in the Lakers organization. The franchise was widely criticized for selecting the raw prospect in the second round of last year’s draft, with disgruntled analysts like Smith calling it nepotism at its finest.
“When you take it and get personal with it, it’s my job not only to protect my damn household but protect the players,” LeBron James said on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” “And I know [Smith] is going to be happy as hell when he hears me talking about him.”
The feud apparently stemmed from comments Smith made on “First Take” in January while Bronny James struggled to develop on the Lakers’ bench.
“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this,” Smith said. “We all know that Bronny James is in the league because of his dad.”
Smith went on to discuss the altercation on his own shows and during a guest appearance on former NBA star Gilbert Arenas’ podcast.
“I turn around, and [LeBron James is] right there in my face and says, ‘Yo, you gotta stop talking s—- about my son,” Smith told Arenas.
James, a four-time MVP, said he’s amused by the way Smith has continued to discuss the dispute.
“He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now,” James told McAfee.
In the three weeks since his father confronted Smith, Bronny James has flashed significant improvement on the court.
He scored a career-high 17 points during the Lakers’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. The 20-year-old followed that performance with 39 points during a G League game on Monday night.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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