Stephen A. Smith Addresses LeBron James Following March Dispute

Stephen A. Smith has shared his thoughts on LeBron James following their clash on the court back in March.

It seems there’s little chance for reconciliation between the two.

“I don’t like him, and he doesn’t like me,” Smith remarked in a Q&A with Rolling Stone, which came out on Wednesday. He noted, “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen. I’ll show him that respect and cover his games fairly. I cheer when he accomplishes great things.”

Still, Smith mentioned that he will remain professional despite their differences. However, he expressed lingering frustrations over how James reacted during a March 6 game against the Knicks.

“He tried to hide behind his son and create a situation when, honestly, I wasn’t bothered by his son at all,” Smith explained. “The truth is, we just don’t get along, and he used that as an opportunity to confront me. I understand where he’s coming from, though.”

During a moment that went viral, James challenged Smith in front of onlookers after Smith referred to evaluating James’ son, Bronny, during a segment of “First Take.” This was after Los Angeles drafted Bronny with the 55th overall pick.

Initially, Smith had a level of understanding, acknowledging, “It wasn’t just a basketball player I was up against. It was a dad, a father.” He continued, “In every conceivable way, he’s a devoted family man, someone who genuinely cares a lot about his son.”

But, it seems, Smith’s feelings about the incident may have intensified over time.

James, on his end, remarked that Smith misinterpreted the essence of their earlier conversation.

“We won’t back down from discussing sports or critique players based on their performances,” James stated during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “But when it crosses a personal line, it’s my responsibility to look out for the players and protect my family at all costs.”