Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has weighed in on the heated courtside exchange between LeBron James and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, calling it one of the most absurd controversies in sports history.
The incident unfolded before the Lakers’ win over the Knicks when LeBron confronted Smith over past remarks about Bronny.
Smith later defended himself, insisting his criticism was aimed at LeBron for pushing Bronny into the NBA too soon—not at Bronny himself.
Portnoy Calls Out LeBron’s Double Standard
In a fiery social media rant, Portnoy mocked LeBron for expecting the media to stay silent about Bronny while he plays for one of the NBA’s top franchises.
“LeBron doesn’t want Stephen A. or the media talking about Bronny, even though he’s a pro on the Lakers. What are we even talking about here?” Portnoy said.
He pointed out the irony of LeBron’s stance, referencing a 2018 interview where LeBron admitted regretting naming his son after himself due to pressure. Yet, he still pushed the Lakers to draft Bronny despite his struggles at USC.
“He forced the Lakers to take him before he was ready. He didn’t even start at USC! And now he’s in the NBA, playing against elite pros, struggling—and LeBron thinks the media shouldn’t talk about it?”
Is Bronny’s Spot in the NBA Earned or Given?
Portnoy acknowledged the pressure Bronny faces but argued he’s in the NBA only because of LeBron, comparing it to a “Make-A-Wish” situation.
“One day, he might belong, but right now, he’s only there for LeBron. He’s in a big-boy league, playing with big-boy players—and he stinks. And LeBron doesn’t want the media to talk about it?”
Portnoy said Bronny should have gone to the G-League or stayed in college instead of being pushed into the NBA spotlight.
“If you don’t want criticism, don’t force him onto an NBA team. Let him earn it.”
Portnoy Blasts Stephen A. for Going Easy on LeBron
While Smith initially took a firm stance against LeBron, Portnoy criticized him for softening his approach, suggesting that he would have torn into any other athlete in a similar situation.
“Stephen A. had the kid gloves on today. If that was anyone else, he’d be tearing them apart,” Portnoy argued.
He ended his rant with a brutal comparison, claiming that Jayson Tatum’s 7-year-old son, Deuce, is more valuable to the Celtics than Bronny is to the Lakers.
