Stephen A. Smith called out LeBron James for using Bronny as a deflection in their feud and said the two will “never” like each other.
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when asked about his relationship with LeBron James during a new interview, revealing their mutual disdain.
The veteran sports broadcaster addressed his issues in a Rolling Stone interview released Tuesday (June 18).
“I don’t like him, and he don’t like me,” he said while accusing the NBA star of using his son as a shield in a personal dispute.
The long-simmering tension between the ESPN personality and the four-time NBA champion hit a boiling point after a courtside confrontation in March 2025.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith sharing some words after the game tonight
Looks like Bron’s telling him “keep my son out of this sh**.” 👀
(h/t @LADEIG, via @legendofwinning) pic.twitter.com/QyOBAWO0p1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
LeBron confronted Smith over remarks made about his son, Bronny James, which Smith insists were misinterpreted.
“He hid behind his son [Bronny James], tried to make something out of nothing, as if I was dogging his son, which I was not,” Smith said. “The real issue was we don’t like each other. And he used that as an excuse to confront me. I got it.”
Despite the personal friction, Smith maintained that his coverage of LeBron remains professional.
“We’re never gonna like each other,” he added. “It’s not gonna stop me from doing my job. He’ll be treated just like any other player I cover. Nobody is going to get me to compromise my professional integrity. I don’t have to like you to be fair to you.”
Smith also acknowledged LeBron’s legacy on the court.
“He’s one of the greatest players who’s ever lived,” he said. “I’m going to show him that respect, and I’m going to cover him objectively. When he does great, I’m gonna applaud. When he doesn’t do great, I’m not gonna applaud.”
LeBron addressed the incident publicly for the first time during a March appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, explaining that Smith’s commentary crossed a line.
“Never would I ever not allow people who talk about the sport to criticize players about what they do on the court. That is your job,” LeBron said. “When you take it and get personal with it, it’s my job not only to protect my damn household but protect the players.”
“Stephen A Smith is like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now.
It started off with ‘I didn’t wanna address it, but since the video came out I have to.’ –LeBron James going in Stephen A Smith on ESPN on the Pat McAfee show 😂😂
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 26, 2025
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