The saga between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James continues to escalate, captivating basketball fans and media alike. The drama first ignited during a Knicks-Lakers game on March 6, where tensions flared between the sports commentator and the NBA superstar. Recently, on Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith made controversial remarks regarding James’ character, claiming he wasn’t present at the memorial service for Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in 2020.
During the episode, Smith suggested, “I suggest that James be happy with the things that I haven’t brought up.” He highlighted the absence of discussion around James' non-attendance at Bryant’s memorial service, implying a lack of respect. However, it was soon confirmed that LeBron James did attend the service, prompting Smith to issue a correction and an apology. Despite this, Smith maintained his previous criticisms of James, including another pointed remark regarding Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction, saying, “I never really brought up or discussed why you did not attend Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction when that man was directly responsible for you capturing a championship for the first time in your career.”
In a lighthearted yet pointed response, LeBron James took to Instagram to poke fun at Smith. He shared a video clip showcasing Smith’s boxing skills, accompanied by a caption filled with laughing emojis, clearly unimpressed by the commentator's abilities. This playful jab followed Smith's earlier comments where he stated, “If that man put his hands on me, I would’ve immediately swung on him.”
The ongoing feud traces back to a recent confrontation where LeBron James confronted Smith about personal comments he made regarding James' son, Bronny. Since that exchange, Smith has been vocal about the incident, while James finally addressed the situation on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He articulated his stance, saying, “Never would I ever not allow people who talk about the sport to criticize players about what they do on the court. That is your job to criticize … That is all part of the game.” However, he added, “When you take it and get personal with it, it’s my job not only to protect my damn household but to protect the players.”
This ongoing Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James feud highlights the complex dynamics between media personalities and athletes. As both parties continue to exchange barbs, fans are left wondering how this rivalry will evolve. With both Smith and James firmly in the spotlight, this saga is sure to remain a topic of discussion in the sports world for the foreseeable future.
