Stephen A. Smith Claims That if the Argument Had Been Violent, He Would Have Attacked LeBron James

This week saw intense on-air and social media interactions between NBA player LeBron James and ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, intensifying their dispute.

James allegedly confronted Smith courtside during a Lakers game on March 6 and told him to quit disparaging his son, Bronny James. LeBron clarified on The Pat McAfee Show that the situation was about defending his family.

Smith responded later that night in a live broadcast on his YouTube channel, referring to the altercation as “bulls*** and weak.” He continued by accusing James of lying about his coverage of Bronny and asserting that he would have retaliated if James had touched him.

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith’s feud is heating up

Smith said: “Had that man put his hands on me, I would have immediately swung on him,” “I would have gotten my ass kicked… but I wouldn’t tolerate that.”

Stephen A Smith was ready to throw hands with LeBron LOL pic.twitter.com/geilEzBgTC

— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 26, 2025

He further likened the situation to the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars controversy, claiming that because of the ongoing game and public setting, he refrained from making matters worse.

Smith justified his remarks, claiming that he only brought attention to the difficulties encountered by a second-round NBA draft pick and never made fun of Bronny. Speaking about Bronny’s growth is not the same as disparaging him personally, he added: “I have not been s***ting on his son,” 

Although he acknowledged that he discusses well-known people like LeBron because it’s part of his work, he rejected the idea that his commentary was done for publicity. He went on to say:  “Do I use him for ratings? You’re damn right,”

Later, James replied on Instagram, posting an old video of Smith working out with the insulting captions, “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMPPPPPPPP,” and laughing emojis.

The feud continues to create a lot of interest in the sports media as the back-and-forth is publicly displayed.  The feud continues to create a lot of interest as the back-and-forth is publicly displayed.

The post Stephen A. Smith Claims That if the Argument Had Been Violent, He Would Have Attacked LeBron James appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.