LeBron James confronts Stephen A Smith over criticism of son Bronny as video goes viral

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: LeBron James has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and this time, his frustration wasn’t directed at an opponent but at ESPN’s Stephen A Smith.

During last night’s Lakers vs Knicks game, cameras captured a fiery courtside exchange between LeBron and the outspoken sports analyst because of repeated criticism of LeBron’s son, Bronny James, and his place in the NBA.

LeBron James confronts Stephen A Smith over son Bronny criticism

Bronny James, now playing alongside his father for the Lakers, has been under scrutiny for his slow start in the league. Many including Stephen A Smith have questioned whether the young player truly earned his spot or if his last name secured it.

Smith had previously addressed the controversy on 'First Take', stating, “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.” Smith also suggested Bronny belonged in the G-League to further develop his skills.

That take didn’t sit well with LeBron, who made sure to let Smith know exactly how he felt in person.

This morning on ESPN, Smith broke his silence on the courtside confrontation, confirming that LeBron confronted him about his comments on Bronny.

“That was LeBron James coming up to me, unexpectedly I might add, to confront me about making sure that I mind what I say about his son. Can’t repeat the words, because they ain’t suited for FCC airwaves. It was a one-on-one confrontation.”

Smith acknowledged LeBron’s reaction as a father defending his son but also questioned why he hadn’t reached out privately. “That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent. That was a father. 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 a wonderful father who cares very, very deeply about his son.”

“His agent Rich Paul has my number. Maverick Carter has my number. LeBron knows how to get in contact with me if he wanted to. He never called. Instead, he confronted me while I was sitting courtside.”

Despite the tension, Smith made it clear he stands by his analysis, “You don’t want enemies but you ain’t paid to make friends.”

LeBron James' heated confrontation with Stephen A Smith ignites Internet buzz

LeBron James has never shied away from supporting his son, Bronny, in his basketball career. However, his involvement in helping Bronny secure a spot with the Los Angeles Lakers has ignited fresh discussions online.

One user wrote, "I like how Stephen kept it professional. That’s the mark of a seasoned media personality who knows how to handle high-profile situations!"

Another commented, “A good father teaches his son to stand on his own.”

Critics argue that Bronny, now an NBA player, should establish his own path. “Sorry but the young man is in the NBA. If I was Bronny I would tell my Dad to stay out of it. Bronny seems to be a great young man, he needs to fight his own battles,” one user stated.

“@KingJames at the end, LeBron should be accept that’s is a pure nepotism what he did forcing to lakers hiring bronny, when a hundred of young players better the him,” one comment read.

“No one respects this clown, but he walks into the arena like he’s God Almighty. No one. Cares. About. You,” another user commented.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.