Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Update: Stephen A. Smith addressed the incident on Friday’s episode of First Take, claiming that while he did not want to discuss the moment, he has to because it went viral. Somewhat hilariously, Smith also revealed Larry David was sitting next to him and had a front row seat to the exchange.
“That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father,” Smith began. “And I can’t sit here and be angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in any way in that regard. By all accounts, he’s obviously a wonderful family man and wonderful father and cares very, very deeply about his son.”
You can watch Smith’s full comments on the altercation with LeBron James that occurred at the Lakers vs. Knicks game on Thursday, March 6, below.
.@stephenasmith describes his moment with LeBron James last night at Lakers-Knicks. pic.twitter.com/ZZyUnOOwYZ
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 7, 2025
Original article:
Video from the Los Angeles Lakers game on Thursday night shows LeBron James getting in the face of ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith. NBA fans seems to believe that LeBron was confronting SAS over comments he made about his son Bronny James, a rookie in the NBA/G-League.
Stephen A. Smith has been critical of Bronny in recent weeks, arguing that he’s clearly not ready for the NBA. Smith’s argument isn’t meant as a slight against Bronny’s talent but more so the situation he’s been thrust into.
Long story short: he blamed LeBron for putting his son Bronny James in a situation that he does not appear to be ready for, at least as for as Smith’s concerned.
“He’s doing great in the G-League because thats where he belongs. In 13 games he has played 44 minutes, scored 4 points on 1-16 fg and 0-7 from 3. He’s not ready yet, you’re exposing your son,” Smith said on First Take earlier this year.
Clearly getting wind of Smith’s comments, LeBron confronted him on Thursday night, with lip-reading NBA fans claiming the future Hall of Famer told SAS to keep his son’s name out of his mouth.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith sharing some words after the game tonight
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2025
Looks like Bron’s telling him “keep my son out of this sh**.” 👀
(h/t @LADEIG, via @legendofwinning) pic.twitter.com/QyOBAWO0p1
Knowing Smith — who, just this week alone, signed a new $100M deal with ESPN and has been beefing with Charles Barkley — he’ll likely respond to the viral moment on the Friday, March 7 episode of First Take.
As for the actual game, the Lakers beat the New York Knicks in overtime by a score of 113-109, with LeBron posting 31 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Newly acquired All-Star Luka Doncic also put up 32 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds.
Since trading for Doncic, the Lakers have posted an 8-2 record and have moved up to he #2 seed in the Western Conference after being the #4 seeded team in the west at the time the trade.