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Stephen A. Smith has spoken out after footage trended showing a heated confrontation between him and LeBron James.
According to On3.com, Smith has reportedly been very critical of LeBron’ in recent weeks. Additionally, the outlet notes that in January, Smith shared his thoughts on Bronny James joining the league. At the time, Smith reportedly noted that he felt Bronny only received the accolade due to his father’s status.
“Im really, really trying to be as respectful as I possibly can be toward LeBron James, one of the top two or three players in the history of basketball. I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” he reportedly said at the time.
To note, a clip circulating on X, formerly known as X, shows Smith delving more into a strong critique of Bronny.
“Bronny James has played in 13 NBA games. Ladies and gentlemen, he’s averaging 0.3 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.4 rebounds… And he’s playing in the first quarter? of an NBA game? Really?” Smith said in the clip.
Subsequently, on Friday, March 7, footage surfaced on X of LeBron approaching Smith on the sidelines of the Lakers’ face-off against the New York Knicks. The clip didn’t include audio of their exchange. However, LeBron’s facial expression as he spoke to the sports commentator appeared heated.
The clip subsequently went viral, garnering over 3 million views on X. On the morning of March 7, Smith took to X to share that he’d be addressing the clip on ESPN’s ‘First Take.’
According to TMZ, the sports commentator confirmed that LeBron’s apparent frustration was over his recent comments about Bronny. Additionally, Smith alleged LeBron used NSFW language.
“That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent. That was a father,” Smith said. “And I can’t sit here and be angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in any way in that regard.”
To note, the commentator appeared to show discomfort with their confrontation being made public.
Peep his full comments below.
Social media users reacted to the footage of LeBron James confronting Stephen A. Smith, and his subsequent explanation of their confrontation in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Tamar Braxton’s ex, Jeremy Robinson, wrote:
“Respect to LeBron for confronting him publicly like SA spoke publicly. Real men go to the source and look a man in the eyes – how they proceed thereafter is on them.”
