The 2024-25 regular NBA season witnessed a tense back-and-forth between LeBron James and veteran ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. The friction came to the surface when LeBron publicly confronted Smith over his comments on Bronny James’ career. The confrontation added fuel to an already strained relationship that has shown no signs of healing.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Stephen A. Smith openly discussed his feelings about LeBron James. Speaking with unapologetic clarity, Smith admitted that there is mutual dislike between them.
“I don’t like him, and he don’t like me. He’s one of the greatest players who’s ever lived. I’m going to show him that respect, and I’m going to cover him objectively. When he does great, I’m gonna applaud. When he doesn’t do great, I’m not gonna applaud,” Smith said.
Smith also addressed the incident involving Bronny James. He claimed that LeBron twisted the situation.
“He hid behind his son, tried to make something out of nothing, as if I was dogging his son, which I was not. The real issue was we don’t like each other. And he used that as an excuse to confront me. I got it,” he added.
Stephen A. Smith Slams LeBron James’ Take on Championship Obsession
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
On a recent episode of his podcast Mind the Game, LeBron questioned the NBA’s fixation on ring culture, calling it “weird.” On First Take, Stephen A. Smith dismissed LeBron’s comments. He asserted that the pursuit of championships is and always has been central to NBA greatness.
“If [winning a championship] didn’t mean much or shouldn’t mean much. Why were you so relieved to finally have one? Why did you depart Cleveland to go to Miami?” Smith said.
LeBron moved to Miami in 2010 to form a superteam with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for a championship ring with the team. Hence, like many, Smith also believes championships remain the ultimate proof of a player’s impact.
Also Read: Stephen A. Smith Apologized To An Entire City For His Ugly Comments
