Stephen A Smith started Friday’s episode of ‘First Take’ by addressing his viral confrontation with LeBron James on Thursday night.
Smith, who has reportedly just agreed to a groundbreaking $100 million deal with ESPN, probably did not get to celebrate the way he wanted, although he was courtside when the Los Angeles Lakers played his New York Knicks.
Things went from bad to worse for the ESPN personality, who watched his beloved Knicks fall short in a 113-109 loss. As if that wasn’t enough, he was approached by LeBron, who dressed him down in front of everyone and was heard telling him to keep his son’s name out of his mouth.
Stephen A. Smith begins First Take confirming that LeBron James confronted him at last night's Lakers game over comments about Bronny James.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 7, 2025
"That wasn't a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father." pic.twitter.com/QTWmScRIGF
“That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father,” Stephen A said on Friday morning, insisting he could not slight the player for sticking up for his son.
Stephen A Smith Was Hoping For A Conversation
He also claimed that he would have been willing to talk to James as his close associates, agent Rich Paul and business partner Maverick Carter both have his number.
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Of course, many feel that Stephen A. Smith is within his right to critique Bronny, as he is a grown man playing in the NBA and is subject to criticism like everyone else.
LeBron James may have felt like the journalist pushed him a bit too far by constantly suggesting that his son being drafted was a result of nepotism. We’ll be hearing plenty more about this over the next several days.
Meanwhile, Jason Whitlock is probably gearing up for a 12-hour show.
