Adam Silver rides diplomatic lines talking about LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith controversy

The discourse surrounding Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James has come to the attention of NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Adam Silver rides diplomatic lines talking about LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith controversy

Adam Silver, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James

The LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith back-and-forth controversy has taken over the sporting world by storm. After the Los Angeles Lakers superstar went on The Pat McAfee Show, the situation has escalated to the point where it is getting ugly.

James suggested the ESPN analyst was on a Taylor Swift-like tour, as in, he was going on every possible platform to try and berate him. The 40-year-old even clarified that Smith has taken a lot of things out of context when all he confronted him was regarding questions Smith had about his ability to be a father.

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On top of that, James trolled Smith after the ESPN analyst talked about throwing punches. Now, this entire situation has infuriated the 57-year-old and things escalated when he went on First Take. Now this controversy is drawing the attention of everyone to the NBA.

But at the same time, many are starting to believe that Stephen A. Smith has some other agenda at play here. When NBA commissioner Adam Silver took questions after the board of governors meeting, reporter Randall Williams asked if he had a comment on this discourse.

We’re a particular sport in which that kind of debate seems to be part of the DNA of this league. And I’m jealous, sometimes it seems that in other sports that I’m a fan of, and when I watch the coverage, particularly around the games, it seems to be more celebratory often than it is in the NBA.

Adam Silver said

With this statement it seems Silver is suggesting that those in media are being overtly critical about the league. Whereas in other leagues, the media celebrates the league as a whole. But he believes this is how the league has been covered.

Adam Silver prefers if things do not get personal

Adam Silver knows this discourse is probably doing some damage to the NBA. However, he also knows that the media traction they are gaining is bringing a lot of eyeballs to the league. At the same time, the commissioner also does not things to get out of hand.

I would say in terms of that back and forth … I of course would like the focus to be on the play on the floor. And I feel particularly protective of our players, of course. I sure wish it would never become personal.

Adam Silver said

The commissioner emphasized that coverage of the NBA had moved on what was on the court. Instead, it has shifted towards a situation where things are getting personal. But the commissioner admits all of this is a double-edged sword.

On one hand it is helping the league, but it is also causing friction among players and the media. His words suggest he might not intervene in this matter. After all, the league needs the media, and ESPN will have an even larger part of the new deal that will kick in next season.

Commissioner might have to intervene at some point

The NBA does not want the media to get into personal fights with players. That can turn ugly and this rift between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James is proving that with every passing day. The situation is now escalating and has reached a point where Smith’s latest attacks are proving that something else is on his mind.

Calling the Los Angeles Lakers superstar out for not being at Kobe Bryant‘s memorial was one that irked a lot of fans. They came back with receipts proving James was at the memorial, but was just not covered by the media.

Smith also brought up James missing Dwyane Wade‘s Hall of Fame ceremony. These are personal attacks which are threatening to take this discourse to another level. If that happens, Silver might have to give ESPN a call.