Stephen A. Smith Claims That LeBron James Didn’t Frighten Him

During a Los Angeles Lakers game last month, Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James got into a rather heated argument over the First Take host’s remarks regarding Bronny James. Neither party came out of the encounter looking particularly well, and the exchange was virtually overshadowed by the stories and debates it generated. Smith spent a […] The post Stephen A. Smith Claims That LeBron James Didn’t Frighten Him appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.

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Apr 25, 2025 - 03:00
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Stephen A. Smith Claims That LeBron James Didn’t Frighten Him

During a Los Angeles Lakers game last month, Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James got into a rather heated argument over the First Take host’s remarks regarding Bronny James.

Neither party came out of the encounter looking particularly well, and the exchange was virtually overshadowed by the stories and debates it generated. Smith spent a large portion of the aftermath, as was to be expected, defending his remarks and himself.

Even if things have calmed down, Smith is still concerned. If nothing else, he will keep trying to demonstrate that he is righteous in opposing LeBron James’ despotism.

Smith believes he would have had adequate protection, even if the tense encounter between him and LeBron never turned physical.

Stephen A. Smith claims he was always “Protected” against LeBron James

When Complex’s Speedy Morman asked Smith what would have occurred if he had thrown a punch at James, Smith replied:

“I know a lot of people think that, and I really didn’t want to talk about it because I don’t want to talk about him. But the bottom line is this. People could say I get my ass kicked. Go ahead. Did you see who I walked in with?”

“[My bodyguard] was 10 feet away. So whatever’s going to happen would have to happen quick. Because that brother right there that is 330 plus us, that is my bodyguard, not to mention a whole bunch of other people that I usually have around me. I really have very little to be worried about.

“Anybody could get got, and I’m fully aware of that. But one of the other things on a very, very serious note, everywhere I go, ESPN knows. Local police, FBI, everything. He’s just with me. But I’m always guarded because I’m an investment. We got people out here that’s got people protecting them, and they bringing in a little paper. I make a lot of money for the mouse. So if people want to think that I’m just walking around and I don’t have anybody around me. He’s just like my blood. That’s like my brother right there.”

Smith claims LeBron James would have at least been swung at

Smith subsequently hinted that he would have reacted appropriately if he hadn’t been afraid of James getting physical with him.

“I don’t have to fight at this particular moment in time,” said Smith. “I think it’s pathetic that people look at me at age 57 and ask me, not you, but I’m talking about people coming at me like that. I’m 57 freaking years old. And.. I’m not 37 or 27. I’m 57. But now you all want to step to me. I got it. Feel free. Do what you have to do. All I know is this. Again, and I’ve truly meant that. All my life I’ve been that way. I’m not sitting up here telling you that I’ll kick somebody’s ass. What I’m telling you is that I’m not going to sit by and let somebody just put their hands on me. I don’t give a shit who you are. Maybe the one exception might have been Mike Tyson in this heyday. I might have been like, I’m sorry, what I did.”

Let us remind you that, regardless of your opinion of him, James is a professional athlete who stands 6’9″ and weighs about 250 pounds. None of those things describe Stephen A. Smith.

The post Stephen A. Smith Claims That LeBron James Didn’t Frighten Him appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.

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