Green Bay Phoenix head coach hits at LeBron James’ after their on-court altercation with Stephen A. Smith.
Tension between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith continues to spark major buzz, days after a viral video captured a heated exchange between the NBA superstar and the popular ESPN analyst.
The confrontation, which took place during the Lakers’ recent matchup against the New York Knicks, has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments in sports media.
The footage, however, tells its own story—showing a clearly upset LeBron, fueling widespread commentary across social platforms.
Doug Gottlieb Green Bay coach criticizes LeBron James
The incident has drawn mixed reactions, with opinions pouring in from fans, pundits, and now even coaches. Among the most outspoken is Green Bay Phoenix head coach Doug Gottlieb, who recently weighed in with a sharp critique that likely won’t sit well with “King” James.
Comparing LeBron’s behavior to that of overzealous parents at youth league games, Gottlieb’s remarks added a new layer to the unfolding drama.
With the exchange still fresh in the public eye, the ongoing rift between LeBron and Smith continues to dominate headlines and stir debate among fans and analysts alike.
During a recent segment on Fox Sports Radio, he didn’t hold back when addressing LeBron James’ behavior toward ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
“There is no world in which a dad, who single-handedly makes it so that his son is on an NBA team that he plays on, can accost the biggest name in sports about the analysis of his son,” Gottlieb said, referring to the viral sideline exchange between James and Smith.
“His opinion matters,” he said speaking about S.A.S. However, his remarks about LeBron were even more direct, comparing the NBA star’s reaction to that of an overbearing parent in youth basketball. “Stephen A. felt the wrath of what it’s like to be an AAU coach,” he stated.
“If you want your son to be in the NBA, you have to be willing to be criticized,” he added. Gottlieb also pointed out that Bronny is no longer a youth player—he’s now a professional athlete, and with that status comes scrutiny.
