There was no shortage of reactions on social media following the exchange between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James, where the Los Angeles Lakers star confronted the ESPN analyst regarding his son, Bronny James. Amid the ongoing conversation, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green weighed in with a strong response.
Smith had previously criticized LeBron’s reaction to comments about Bronny, calling the Lakers star “weak” for addressing the situation before an NBA game. However, Green fired back, challenging Smith’s remarks and questioning his approach as an ESPN analyst.
“Let’s keep it about basketball because calling [LeBron] weak isn’t talking about the sport,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show. “If you’re calling LeBron weak for stepping to you, but you’re taking shots at him as a father on TV behind a camera, most would say that’s weak. He said he’s paid to do that, but no, you’re paid to analyze and debate on the show.”
Green didn’t hold back, adding: “I have zero respect for Stephen A. after what he said on national TV about this African-American father who’s raising another successful young Black man.” With those remarks, Green defended LeBron while expressing disappointment in Smith’s comments.
Green’s comments on what Smith should be talking about
As the Warriors star addressed Smith’s remarks about LeBron James and his son Bronny, Draymond Green also shared his thoughts on the analyst’s work on ESPN. While Green didn’t suggest what Smith should discuss on his show, he made it clear what he believed Smith should be saying about LeBron’s basketball career in the NBA.
“If you want to talk about LeBron as a basketball player, go ahead. If you want to talk about Bronny as a basketball player, then do it. But talking about LeBron as a father? That doesn’t make any sense to me,” Green said in response to Smith’s comments on national TV.
Green’s statement reflected his strong support for LeBron, emphasizing that Smith’s remarks lacked respect for LeBron’s role as a father. Green suggested that focusing on anything other than LeBron’s performance on the court was not the right way to handle the conversation, especially when he’s one of the key figures in the sport.
Green’s thoughts on Smith discussing Bronny
Another point Warriors star addressed was Smith’s comments about Bronny James, who was selected as the 55th overall pick by the Lakers. According to Green, focusing on a late draft pick like Bronny seemed unnecessary, especially since players in that position are typically still developing in the league.
“I think it’s pretty wack that you’re spending time talking about the 55th draft pick. The only players I can recall who were picked 55th or lower and went on to have notable careers are Manu Ginobili and Isaiah Thomas,” Green said.