Stephen A. Smith uses Michael Jordan vs LeBron James GOAT debate to end confrontation discourse

Stephen A. Smith has been on a tear after LeBron James confronted him publicly during a Los Angeles Lakers game.

Stephen A. Smith uses Michael Jordan vs LeBron James GOAT debate to end confrontation discourse

Stephen A. Smith, Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Stephen A. Smith has been in the news recently after LeBron James confronted him over comments about his son. Initially, the ESPN analyst was ok about it and accepted that as a father, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was right on his part.

It was just that he did not appreciate the confrontation taking place publicly. But the very next day onwards, he started changing his tune. Now he believed that the 40-year-old berated him publicly over the criticism Smith sent his way.

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The 57-year-old analyst believed the confrontation had nothing to do with Bronny James. Instead, Smith believes his recent comments about James’ criticism of the media and the GOAT debate had probably triggered the Lakers superstar.

Since then, he has appeared on multiple platforms to berate the all-time leading scorer. The discourse has continued across other debate platforms and a few of them have targeted Stephen A. Smith. Now he believes enough has been said about it and he wants the discourse to end, but not without saying this.

We don’t get along. There’s a multitude of reasons why, I’ve alluded to some of them. But we know what the biggest reason is. I ain’t Shannon Sharpe, it ain’t GOAT status this way. My GOAT is Michael Jordan. He ain’t my GOAT. I know a GOAT when I see one.

Stephen A. Smith said

The recently extended ESPN executive producer clarified that he will never change his opinion on who the GOAT of basketball is. He believes his strong opinion that Michael Jordan will always be the GOAT has something to do with how his relationship with LeBron James has transpired.

Stephen A. Smith denies speaking ill of Bronny James

During this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the longtime journalist continued to talk about how he does not believe he has said anything wrong about LeBron James. But then went on to reiterate that he has not spoken ill of Bronny James.

I don’t run and hide. If I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong. If I’m right, I’m right. I was never sh***ing on Bronny James. I wouldn’t do that to the James family. I was talking about one person and one person only. We may never speak in life again. I’m fine with it. I get paid to talk about folks, not to them.

Stephen A. Smith said

Smith still believes the Los Angeles Lakers superstar placed his son in a difficult position. That pressure may have contributed to his earlier struggles this season. But he is still rooting for the kid to develop and return to the NBA full time.

LeBron James stays quiet throughout the discourse

Since the time the confrontation took place, LeBron James has been quiet. He never talks about it on social media. Neither does he attend media sessions during games. The fact that he is injured did help matters, as otherwise, he will be obliged to answer questions.

Either the Akron native decided it was better to add more fuel to the fire. Or he believes there is no further point in adding on to the discourse. He confronted Stephen A. Smith when the opportunity arose, and he did what he thought was the best thing to do.

Now Stephen A. Smith has also ended the debate. Only time will tell if they both will lock horns again. Or will be it radio silence like how Smith expects it to be. Any bridges under construction between them has been destroyed for good.