Stephen A. Smith addressed his courtside confrontation with LeBron James, confirming the NBA star confronted him over his criticism of Bronny.
Stephen A. Smith has addressed his heated courtside confrontation with Lebron James after clips of the change made headlines.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was caught on digital camera confronting Smith following their win over the New York Knicks Thursday evening (March 6). James was visibly pissed off as he yelled on the veteran sports activities analyst.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith sharing some phrases after the sport tonight
Appears like Bron’s telling him “hold my son out of this sh**.” 👀
(h/t @LADEIG, by way of @legendofwinning) pic.twitter.com/QyOBAWO0p1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
On “First Take Friday” (March 7), Smith confirmed that James’ anger stemmed from his latest criticism of Bronny.
“That was Lebron James coming as much as me, unexpectedly, I would add, to confront me about ensuring that I thoughts what I say about his son,” Smith started after the clip of their interplay performed. “I can’t repeat the phrases as a result of they aren’t suited to FCC airwaves.”
He acknowledged that James got here to him as a father or mother fairly than a basketball participant however maintained that his job requires him to talk on related subjects.
“That was a father. And I can’t sit right here and be indignant or really feel slighted by LeBron James in any means in that regard,” Smith added. “But it surely’s my job to speak in regards to the topics and the topic issues that matter. I work for ESPN.”
Stephen A. Smith Calls Out LeBron James for Not Reaching Out Behind the Scenes
Nevertheless, Smith took subject with James addressing him so publicly fairly than dealing with the scenario privately.
“LeBron James is aware of get in touch with me if he needed to,” Smith stated. “As an alternative, he elected to confront me whereas I used to be sitting courtside… He walked proper as much as me and he stated what he needed to say.”
Whereas Smith had lately questioned Bronny James’ place within the NBA, he insisted that he by no means supposed to criticize the rookie himself—solely the scenario created by LeBron.
“If we had had that [private] dialog,” he continued, “I’d have stated to LeBron James, ‘I by no means would communicate negatively about your son. I used to be speaking about you.’”
Take a look at his monologue beneath.
