Stephen A. Smith continues to address the long-standing feud with LeBron James, keeping their conflict in the public eye despite their clear mutual dislike. The tension dates back to last season when LeBron made headlines by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, the first active father-son duo in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA. Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized Bronny’s rookie season performance, which led to a heated verbal exchange between Smith and LeBron. LeBron publicly called out Smith following a game, to which Smith responded by labeling LeBron’s comments as “weak” and “bullshit.”
During a recent interview with Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arenas podcast, Smith openly acknowledged the deep rift between them, stating neither man holds any goodwill toward the other.
“There’s no relationship. He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him. There’s nobody who can mediate. I don’t talk about him unless I’m asked,”
Smith said. He explained that discussing LeBron is part of his job as a commentator, and refusing to address questions about LeBron James would be impossible given his role.
Unspoken Issues Fuel Their Dispute
Behind the visible disputes lies a more complicated backstory that has further fractured the relationship between Smith and LeBron. Smith hinted at undisclosed events contributing to the bitterness, revealing the depth of personal grievances that extend beyond media exchanges.
“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. There’s a lot of s**t that I know that I don’t say. If I never, ever speak to him in life, I’m good with it,”
he disclosed.
Recognizing LeBron James’s Impact Despite Personal Differences
Despite their ongoing dispute, Stephen A. Smith continues to separate his professional assessment of LeBron James from their personal animosity. Smith recognizes LeBron’s extraordinary achievements and influence within the sport of basketball.
“I have no desire to talk about him. He is, in my mind, the second greatest player in the history of basketball. He’s been an incredible ambassador to the game of basketball. His respect has been earned, not given. But that’s the basketball player, not the man,”
Smith remarked.
This distinction highlights Smith’s respect for LeBron’s legacy as a player, even as their personal relationship remains fractured. Fans of the NBA are familiar with Smith’s directness, but the intensity of this particular rivalry adds a more serious and uneasy tone to their interactions.
The Future of the LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Feud
With strong passions involved and no visible signs of reconciliation, the ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James seems poised to continue dominating NBA conversations. Their dynamic encapsulates the complex blend of professional respect and personal conflict that often accompanies high-profile figures. As each man maintains firm positions and the public remains captivated, this rivalry is unlikely to fade away soon.