Stephen A. Smith is known for his unfiltered commentary, and during a difficult stretch in Bronny James’ rookie season, his remarks sparked backlash, especially from LeBron James himself. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar viewed Smith’s comments about his son as disrespectful, escalating tensions between the two high-profile figures.
At the time, both Smith and James publicly addressed the situation, though the exchange was far from friendly. While Smith later issued a clarification and acknowledged the emotional nature of the moment, he stood by his original intent: to critique Bronny’s performance during a tough stretch, not to attack him personally.
Now, with that episode in the rearview mirror, Smith revisited the controversy during a recent interview. The ESPN personality offered an unfiltered look at how he felt back then, and didn’t hold back when discussing the public reaction and his own perceived influence across the sports world.
“People said I was going to get my ass kicked. But do you see who was with me?” Smith said during an appearance on the Complex Show. “He was ten feet away. So, whatever was going to happen, it would’ve happened fast. With my bodyguard and the crew that’s usually around me, I didn’t have much to worry about. I wasn’t scared of LeBron at all.”
Smith addresses accusations of being ‘scared’
Smith took a moment to clarify recent comments suggesting he was scared during a tense situation involving Lakers star. Speaking candidly, the ESPN analyst emphasized that his personal safety has always been a top priority, pointing to the security measures that surround him on a daily basis.
“Everywhere I go, ESPN knows. Local police, FBI, everything… I’m always guarded because I’m an investment,” Smith explained, highlighting that his visibility and value require constant protection.
He went on to push back against the idea that he walks around unprotected. “There are others who may have security or carry something, but I make a lot of money. If people think I’m just walking around without protection, they’re wrong,” Smith said.
Addressing the perception that he was intimidated, Smith made it clear that fear wasn’t a factor, and wouldn’t have been, even if the situation escalated. “We have to stop playing games with this subject. It’s not about LeBron, it’s about anybody. If someone walks up and hits you, you’re just going to do nothing? You have to defend yourself,” he said firmly.
Smith fires back at critics
Smith also had a pointed message for those who criticized him for not physically responding at the moment. He acknowledged the comments but said age, and wisdom, played a role in how he handled things.
“I’m freaking 57 years old. I’m not 37 or 28—I’m 57. And now you all want to step up to me?” Smith said, pushing back against suggestions that he should have acted differently.