Stephen A. Smith Opens Up About His Tension With LeBron James

Stephen A. Smith addressed his ongoing tension with LeBron James during an appearance on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast. The ESPN analyst made it clear that he and the Los Angeles Lakers star don’t get along and doesn’t think anyone can mediate between them to resolve their issues.

Smith explained that whatever friction exists between him and LeBron is strictly professional, not personal. As a basketball analyst, Smith feels it’s his job to discuss the NBA, even if it means talking about players he doesn’t see eye to eye with.

“I don’t talk about him unless I’m asked,” Smith said. “Some people say, ‘Well, why do you talk about him?’ Cause I was asked. This is what I do for a living, so how the hell do I get away with saying ‘No comment?’ I have no desire to talk about him at all.”

When it comes to LeBron’s talent on the court, Smith has nothing but respect. He stated that LeBron is the second-best player of all time, behind only Michael Jordan. Smith called LeBron an “incredible ambassador” for basketball, adding that his respect for him is “earned, not given.” However, Smith emphasized that his admiration is only for LeBron’s basketball skills.

Off the court, Stephen A. suggested that LeBron doesn’t take criticism well and often lets it affect him personally. Smith hinted that LeBron and his team have worked behind the scenes to tarnish his reputation over the years.

“People don’t know the things that have happened behind the scenes, the kind of things that have been engaged in an effort to hurt me,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of s–t that I know that I don’t say.” He added that LeBron even insulted him on The Pat McAfee Show, which airs right after Smith’s own show.

Reflecting on a past incident, Smith recalled how he had regularly discussed LeBron’s son, Bronny James, during the 2025-26 season. While LeBron himself never reacted to Smith’s comments about his son, things took a turn when Smith made a personal plea about Bronny’s future. Smith famously said, “As a father, I’m pleading you to stop,” a remark that deeply offended LeBron. The two later had a heated courtside exchange during a Lakers game, where LeBron said things Smith described as “aren’t suited for FCC airwaves.”

That incident triggered Smith, leading him to go on what LeBron mocked as his version of a “Taylor Swift Eras Tour,” defending himself and explaining his side of the feud. The tension reached new heights when LeBron fired shots at Smith during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, which further infuriated the ESPN host.

It’s been five months since the confrontation, and LeBron seems to have moved on. After Smith stopped talking about Bronny on his show, LeBron hasn’t shown much interest in continuing the drama. As for Stephen A., he appears to have moved on too, only addressing their beef when asked. In fact, Smith admitted he’s fine with never speaking to LeBron again, since it’s clear that James isn’t interested in giving him any more attention.