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[Saba Sports News] Stephen A. Smith has shed new light on his courtside confrontation with an irate LeBron James at a Los Angeles Lakers game last week.
A viral video captured LeBron scolding Smith during a timeout in the Lakers’ game against the New York Knicks last Thursday. The ESPN analyst initially addressed the incident on First Take, confirming that LeBron confronted him over his criticism of Bronny James this season.
However, Smith kept the exact details vague at the time, saying the language used wasn’t “suited for FCC airwaves.”
During his recent appearance on Gil’s Arena with Gilbert Arenas, Smith was more candid, calling LeBron’s reaction “weak” and “some bulls–” while acknowledging he was “listening to a father.”
“Apparently, LeBron walked out of the timeout, and I turn around, and he’s right here in my face,” Smith recalled.
“He’s like, ‘Yo, you gotta stop talking s— about my son. You gotta stop f—ing with my son. That’s my son! That’s my son!’ I was like, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Nah, f— that!’ I said, ‘Yo, let’s talk later.’ He’s like, ‘F— that. Nah, f— that! You gotta stop f—ing with my son.’ And I said, ‘Alright, though,’ and he walked off.”
Smith speculated that LeBron was triggered by a moment earlier in the game when Bronny looked over at him with a “sad look” on his face.
“I remember during a timeout in the first quarter seeing Bronny, and Bronny looked over at me and he had this sad look on his face. I’m imagining pops saw that s— and it hit him, and he couldn’t hold it and he rolled up on me,” Smith explained.
LeBron’s frustration appears to stem from Smith’s repeated criticism of his handling of Bronny’s NBA career. In January, Smith openly questioned LeBron’s push for the Lakers to give Bronny playing time despite his struggles. Smith also pointed out Bronny’s poor stats, noting that if he weren’t LeBron’s son, he wouldn’t be seeing NBA minutes.
Shortly after, Smith revealed on his Stephen A. Smith Show that LeBron’s camp had been texting him, accusing him of “questioning (James) as a father.” Smith dismissed the backlash as “LeBron sensitivity” spiraling out of control.
Bronny has played just 76 total minutes in the NBA this season, shooting 25.8% from the field. Smith insists he’s simply doing his job by addressing the reality of Bronny’s situation—something LeBron, it seems, isn’t willing to hear.
