On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed Stephen A. Smith responding to his courtside encounter with LeBron.
In the latest podcast, Stephen A. Smith responds to LeBron James following their confrontation.
Stephen A. Smith responds to LeBron James
Stephen A. Smith addressed his recent confrontation with LeBron James on his self-titled podcast. The ESPN analyst did not hold back while responding to James’ comments on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
During the show, Smith stated that he would have “swung” at LeBron if their heated exchange at the March 6 Lakers-Knicks game had escalated.
Smith recalls his courtside encounter with LeBron
During the podcast, Smith described how the encounter unfolded at Crypto.com Arena.
“When he approached me sitting courtside at that game against the New York Knicks, when he rolled up on me I didn’t know he was gonna roll up on me,” Smith said.
Smith explained that the confrontation happened during the third quarter.
Cameras were rolling, and he didn’t want to create a spectacle. However, he insisted that if LeBron had put his hands on him, he would have reacted immediately.
“I would’ve gotten my ass kicked,” Smith admitted. “But if that man put his hands on me, I would’ve swung on him. Immediately.”
Smith denies targeting Bronny James
Smith made it clear that his controversial comments were directed at LeBron, not his son, Bronny James.
Since Bronny’s draft to the Lakers last summer, accusations of nepotism have followed him. Many believe he was selected because of his father rather than his skills.
Smith previously discussed Bronny’s situation on “First Take,” but he insists that his remarks on Jan. 29 were about LeBron’s handling of the situation.
“I am pleading with LeBron as a father,” Smith said in the segment.
He added: “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad. The first game of the season, opening night, the Griffey’s in attendance, father-son duo playing in an NBA game for the first time. An absolutely positively wonderful story. And then reality sets in.”
LeBron claims Smith missed the point
Additionally, LeBron responded to Smith’s remarks on The Pat McAfee Show. He said Smith “completely missed the whole point.”
James stated that he was simply doing his job by protecting his family and fellow players.
Smith also accuses LeBron of playing to the cameras. He believes LeBron knew the cameras were rolling during their courtside confrontation. He analyzed the footage and pointed out that LeBron looked directly into the camera before walking away.
“I didn’t even notice that at first,” Smith said.
Smith added: “He finishes talking and looks straight into the camera. He knew I would be there. He knew what he was doing.”
Smith also suggested that LeBron deliberately chose the third quarter to make his statement.
“He wanted to make sure the cameras caught it,” Smith said. “He wanted to control the narrative.”
Smith and LeBron’s war of words shows no signs of stopping. Both men remain firm in their positions, with Smith refusing to back down.
As the NBA season continues, fans will be watching closely to see if this drama unfolds further.