Bronny James had the chance to make his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, his performance faced criticism as expectations were sky-high for LeBron’s son. One of his most vocal critics was NBA insider Stephen A. Smith. As a result, LeBron confronted him after the Lakers’ win over the New York Knicks. While Smith avoided a direct confrontation, he later sent a strong message to LeBron James.

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith have never had the closest relationship, but tensions escalated after Smith’s repeated criticism of LeBron’s son, Bronny James. The ESPN analyst claimed Bronny James was not ready for the next level and urged LeBron to stop pushing his career. LeBron did not take kindly to the remarks. After a game, he fired back, saying: “Keep my son out of this s**t bro.”

Stephen A. Smith chose to avoid a direct confrontation with LeBron but made sure to clarify his stance on the situation: “I was really, really talking about him because of the position that Bronny was in, but I really understood where he was coming from. He was very, very upset. I could tell he could have called me. I’d have came to see him. I’d have had a conversation with him. He could have been just as upset face to face, man to man, as opposed to being court side of the game.”

Additionally, Stephen A. Smith took a moment to reflect on his confrontation with LeBron: “If I was in his position, I can’t definitively say I would not have done the same thing.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that he understands LeBron’s position but admitted that he feels hurt by the situation.

Why Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James don’t have the best relationship?

Throughout his career as an NBA analyst, Stephen A. Smith has often said LeBron James is not the greatest player in history. He has also criticized LeBron’s fan base for taking offense when others rank him lower. This has created growing tension between them. Smith has also questioned LeBron’s performances on several occasions. He frequently analyzes his impact on the court with a critical eye.

Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Bronny James were the final straw in his feud with LeBron. It was not just his opinion that caused backlash. Many felt his delivery was disrespectful. Despite this, Smith has recently changed his stance. He now believes the Jordan vs. LeBron debate is over. LeBron’s longevity and dominance, regardless of his teammates, make the difference.