LeBron James used ESPN’s platform on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to discuss his ongoing feud with prominent network personality Stephen A. Smith in an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
The altercation took place courtside during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 113-109 victory over the New York Knicks on March 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York. James reportedly confronted Smith during the game, a move linked to Smith’s earlier criticisms of James’ son, Bronny.
In his interview, James emphasized that Smith had misinterpreted their encounter. He acknowledged that sports commentators are expected to critique players’ performance on the court, as it is part of sports coverage. However, he emphasized that personal attacks are unacceptable, stating he feels a duty to protect his family and fellow players from such criticisms.
James criticized Smith for extensively discussing the confrontation in various media outlets. “He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now,” James remarked. He noted Smith’s initial reluctance to talk about the incident, which changed after video footage appeared. James suggested that Smith had been waiting for an opportunity to discuss the incident publicly.
The disagreement originated when Smith criticized Bronny James during a January 29 episode of “First Take” on ESPN. “I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: stop this. Stop this,” Smith said. “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”
Smith has frequently revisited the confrontation on various platforms. On the “Gil’s Arena” podcast, Smith described how James appeared close to him, demanding that Smith stop making derogatory remarks about Bronny and emphasizing his parental role multiple times.
The ESPN analyst claimed he would have “immediately swung” if James had physically confronted him, though he admitted he was not in a position to retaliate at the time.
Smith defended his criticisms of Bronny, asserting they were professionally focused on the young player’s NBA readiness. He accused LeBron of misleading the public about the reasons for his anger.
Reports suggest LeBron’s actions may stem from Smith’s refusal to recognize him as the greatest basketball player, as Smith favors Michael Jordan in that debate.
Meanwhile, Bronny James divides his time between the NBA and the G League in his rookie season, having been drafted in the second round by the Lakers in 2024. The 20-year-old guard has played in 23 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.3 points per game.
Bronny achieved a career-high of 17 points, three rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes during a March 20 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He followed this by scoring 39 points in a G League match for the South Bay Lakers on March 25.
Bronny acknowledges that criticism impacts him, but he uses it as motivation. “People think I’m a robot,” Bronny revealed, stating that the scrutiny sometimes “fuels” him to work harder.
During the Pat McAfee interview, LeBron also talked about his roles as both a father and teammate to Bronny. He expressed pride in his son’s growth and stated he wants Bronny to “thrive” on the court, regardless of his statistics.
Smith has seemingly altered his stance on Bronny following the rookie’s recent performances. After suggesting Bronny needed more G League experience, Smith praised the younger James’ game against the Bucks, indicating he might be ready for the NBA sooner than previously thought.
