Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron James for confronting him in presence of CEO of $13 billion company

Stephen A. Smith has been making the headlines lately after his heated altercation with LeBron James on Thursday.

Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron James for confronting him in presence of CEO of $13 billion company

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in overtime on Thursday, thanks to LeBron James. However, after that, a lot of drama unfolded involving James and Stephen A. Smith. Cameras showed James having a heated confrontation with Smith. He was courtside for the encounter after the Lakers completed their 113-109 victory.

Notably, Smith was alongside the CEO of Endeavor, Ari Emanuel. However, James did not care less and blasted Smith for his recent takes regarding his son, Bronny James. As fans attempted to decipher what the Lakers player might have spoken to the hot take artist, the video swiftly went viral. Smith then said that he would discuss the matter on Friday morning’s First Take. And he did.

YouTube video

That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent. That was a father. I can’t sit here and be angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in any way in that regard... For the record, his agent and friend Rich Paul has my number. Maverick Carter, who works under him, has my number. LeBron James knows how to get in contact with me if he wanted to. He never called.

Stephen A. Smith said

Instead he elected to confront me while I was sitting courtside, Ari Emmanuel, the head of Endeavour, one of the agencies that represent me… He walked right up to me, and he said what he had to say. Apparently he feels like I was slighting his son.

Stephen A. Smith further continued

Smith said he doesn’t take offense since he’s not sure he would not have done the identical thing if he were a fellow father. Smith’s passionate opinion regarding LeBron’s son Bronny went viral earlier this year. In it, he begged James “as a father” to avoid letting James Jr play in NBA matches before he’s ready.

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In addition, Stephen A. Smith declared in 2024 that “this is his fault” and that “any attention that (Bronny) deserves has been because of his daddy.” Smith also criticized LeBron James for all the media attention his son had received. Ultimately, all of this piled up when James saw Smith courtside at the Crypto.com Arena.

Stephen A. Smith has no regrets about the controversial Bronny James segment

Stephen A. Smith is famous for his controversial takes in the NBA. He did the same when LeBron James’ son Bronny James got drafted in the NBA this 2024-25 season. As Bronny dropped poor performances, Smith’s criticism of him increased. This led to a 1-on1 interaction with James Sr. at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.

In addition, Smith agreed with James’ sentiments and made peace with it. But he disagreed with the most important segment of his past reporting: that was of Bronny James.

I don’t want enemies… but I also get paid to call it like I see it. What I said at the time, I stand by what I said… what I said about LeBron was fact based.

Stephen A. Smith said

This showcases Smith’s approach towards this situation. He stands by his criticism of Bronny James. This was despite getting scolded by James Sr. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how this situation unfolds in the coming days.