LeBron James and Stephen A Smith have had their fair share of arguments over the years. Until recently, the ESPN insider didn’t consider LeBron in the GOAT conversation. While things changed, James still used harsh words against Smith. After the Lakers win over the Knicks, the oldest player in the league came by the sidelines and had a heated argument with Stephen A. He didn’t even wait for his reply, but instantly walked off after telling him to back off.
LeBron Confronts Stephen A Smith In a Heated Argument
LeBron rarely releases his anger in public. But this time, he had enough. This was not an online heated exchange, it was straight-up and in-person. Following the thrilling overtime win over the Knicks, a video from a fan surfaced. In the video, we can see an angry LeBron snapping at Stephen A Smith. He then walked off pissed without even waiting to hear Smith’s reply. According to some fans posting on social media, LeBron said,
“I don’t care, bro, keep my son out of this sh*t, bro.”
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith sharing some words after the game tonight
Looks like Bron’s telling him “keep my son out of this sh**.” 👀
(h/t @LADEIG, via @legendofwinning) pic.twitter.com/QyOBAWO0p1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
Of course, he is talking about Bronny James, his son who made it to the NBA this year. Bronny was drafted No.55 overall amid criticism over nepotism. He has spent a lot of time in the G League, but when Bronny plays in an NBA game, fans love to see him.
Stephen A Smith Criticized Bronny
Smith recently addressed LeBron on live television, speaking about Bronny. In January, Stephen A Smith went on live TV and said the following,
"I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this." 😳 @stephenasmith reacts to Bronny James' play in the Lakers 118-104 loss to the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/bk5D0DS42N
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad. The first game of the season, opening night, the Griffeys in attendance, a father-son duo playing in an NBA game for the first time, an absolutely, positively wonderful story. And then reality sets in. We love what we’re seeing from him in the G League because that’s where you belong as you hone your skills and get better and you legitimately earn—which I believe he has the potential to do, I am rooting for Bronny James. It would be cruel to root against him. He’s a wonderful kid, I wish him nothing but the best.”
Smith, saying that he talks out of compassion for the young player, continued,
“But he’s LeBron James’s son. And everybody knows what attention that brings … Right now Bronny James is averaging 0.3 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.4 rebounds. You know what people are saying. You know what they’re going to do to this kid.”
It seems like LeBron waited for the Knicks to come into town and deliver a statement game. He finished the game with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. After the game, he went to defend his son and told Smith to back off.
Smith Puts the King in the GOAT Conversation
For years, Stephen A Smith has been reluctant to give his flowers to LeBron. While he always talks about him as one of the greatest ever, Smith is a Michael Jordan guy. After LeBron passed 50K career points, Stephen finally accepted him as the GOAT of longevity. He said,
“I am going to make some news. I know, we all know I’m putting nobody ahead of Michael Jordan. My definition of the GOAT is you at your best against anybody else at their best. But listening to Brian Windhorst, bringing up this nugget. There’s nobody who has been as good for as long, meaning longevity, a sustained level of pristine excellence. LeBron is the GOAT in that category.”
Photo credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
