As the Los Angeles Lakers set the NBA ablaze with their quality of play on both ends of the floor, it's hard to shift focus to any other topic. When LeBron James confronts a well-known media personality in a public setting, however, a colossal response is inevitable.
That materialized on Thursday, Mar. 6, when James appeared to engage in a verbal spat with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith.
Much has been said about what may have happened between the two, with lip-readers scrambling to connect the dots. Little has been revealed by those directly involved in the exchange, however, which has only strengthened the demand for speculation.
Smith finally broke his silence on Friday, Mar. 7, explaining exactly what happened between himself and James—and how the four-time NBA champion was passionately defending his son.
Let’s talk about it.
LeBron and me, Charles Barkley took a shot at ESPN, Kenyon Martin mad at me? My new contract, more
Full episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show is live now https://t.co/G6vB8fvuiC pic.twitter.com/IC0jBMHp6z— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 7, 2025
Many will be hoping to hear James' side of the story, but in the meantime, Smith gave a rather concise and seemingly calm recap of the events that transpired between them.
Stephen A. Smith says LeBron James called him out for Bronny criticism
James is a 22-year NBA veteran who has been in the sports spotlight since he was in middle school. He's carried the burden of lifelong comparisons to Michael Jordan and taken on the unimaginable pressure of being the face of the Association.
Despite that lengthy stint under the magnifying lens, it's been rare that James has found himself in a situation of this nature.
In his 22nd season, however, the 40-year-old superstar has taken to defending his son from what he appears to believe is unfair criticism. There are an abundance of angles to approach that topic from, but the bottom line is that a father is standing up for their child.
Perhaps there are new dynamics that must be balanced or understood, but if nothing else, James' response is about as human as it gets.
Thankfully, James was able to compartmentalize and help the Lakers pick up one of their biggest wins of the season. He finished Thursday's game with 31 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and a block as Los Angeles defeated the New York Knicks 113-109.
With the win, James and the Lakers improved to 40-21 and gained sole possession of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference—the only talking point that the superstar is likely to be interested in.
