Stephen A. Smith Reflects on Tense Relationship with LeBron James
In a revealing interview, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has spoken openly about his strained dynamic with basketball icon LeBron James. Smith detailed the origins of their feud, addressed whether he believes James tried to damage his career, and explained his view that while James isn't his greatest of all time, he firmly belongs in the top two or three players ever.
The Viral Courtside Confrontation That Fueled the Feud
The tension between Smith and James became public during a Los Angeles Lakers versus New York Knicks game on March 6, 2025. LeBron James approached Smith courtside and forcefully told him to stop making disparaging comments about his son, Bronny James. The altercation was captured and spread rapidly across social media, igniting widespread discussion.
Smith now describes the relationship as fundamentally broken. Nearly a year later, in an interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Smith provided a critical yet honest assessment of the situation and its lasting impact.
Smith's Candid Remarks on the Personal Conflict
During the podcast, Smith did not mince words about their dynamic. "We don't like each other. The world needs to know that. I hope he's watching," Smith stated. He emphasized that he felt James crossed a line by involving his son. "I think he crossed the line with the incident involving his son. I don't think I did what he said I was doing. I thought that was unfair and a low blow," Smith explained.
However, Smith also expressed a desire for perspective, noting that at 58 years old, he does not want to be defined by bitterness. "Time heals everything. As I see his career dwindling, it's important everyone knows that I know how great he is," he said, acknowledging James's monumental contributions to basketball.
Acknowledging LeBron James's Legacy and Impact
Despite the personal rift, Smith was effusive in his praise for James's career and influence. He highlighted how figures like James have bolstered platforms like his own by generating compelling narratives and entertainment. "I know how great he has been for the game of basketball. Anybody who has been that great, people like me have benefited because he gives us something to talk about," Smith remarked.
He pointed out that James's excellence has enriched many lives and that personal disagreements do not diminish his character. "He's provided a certain amount of entertainment that has made an exponential amount of lives better. Just because he and I have a difference, doesn't mean he's not a good man," Smith added.
The Bronny Debate That Intensified the Conflict
The feud escalated when Smith questioned whether Bronny James's NBA opportunities were due to his father's influence and critiqued his playing time. LeBron James responded publicly, framing his actions as parental protection. "That wasn't a basketball player confronting me; that was a parent, and that was a father. And I can't sit here and be angry. But when you take it and get personal with it, it's my job to not only protect my damn household but protect the players," James said.
Smith vehemently disagreed with this characterization. "LeBron James is full of it. And in this particular instance, as it pertains to his son, he is a liar. And he went on national television... and he lied again. Because there's one person in this ordeal that's telling the truth, and it's me," Smith asserted.
Unresolved Tensions and Lasting Implications
The conflict remains unresolved, with James not publicly responding to Smith's latest comments. Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to be a central figure in the NBA, leading the Lakers to a playoff berth in a competitive Western Conference while maintaining elite performance levels last season.
Smith's reflections underscore a complex relationship where personal animosity exists alongside professional respect. The rivalry persists as part of the NBA's broader discourse, featuring two influential voices whose paths intersect despite their differences.
