Following the game against the New York Knicks on Thursday night a heated exchange between James and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith quickly became the evening’s viral moment.
Addressing the incident Friday on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith explained that LeBron had approached him unexpectedly courtside to address comments Smith previously made about James’ son, Bronny.
“That was LeBron James walking up to me—unexpectedly, I might add—to speak his mind and caution me about what I’ve been saying regarding his son,” Smith shared openly.
Smith emphasized the encounter wasn’t between an NBA star and a sports commentator, but rather a deeply concerned father addressing comments about his child.
“That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent, a father,” Smith said. He further clarified that he holds no resentment or anger toward James for defending his son, acknowledging LeBron as a devoted family man and a caring father.
Smith also suggested there might have been some misinterpretation or misunderstanding, noting James was clearly upset by comments he either heard or believed he heard from Smith. Regardless, Smith respected James’ decision to confront him directly about the matter.
Stephen A not happy with LeBron’s approach
Stephen A. Smith clarified that although he respected LeBron James for standing up for his son, Bronny, he wasn’t pleased with how James chose to handle the confrontation.
Smith pointed out that LeBron approached him publicly, rather than contacting him privately first. He stressed that LeBron certainly knew how to reach him directly if he had wanted to arrange a private conversation.
“I genuinely have nothing but the best wishes for Bronny James,” Smith emphasized, noting clearly that he hoped LeBron’s son would successfully transition into a thriving NBA career.
“I sincerely hope he blossoms into an NBA star. My comments were never intended negatively toward him personally. I have every confidence he’ll excel, especially with coaching from J.J. Redick and the team’s staff.” Said Stephen A
