The moment lasted only seconds, but it echoed across the league.
On March 6, 2025, during the Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks game, LeBron James walked over to Stephen A. Smith courtside and told him to stop criticizing his son, Bronny. The confrontation quickly went viral. It added fuel to a relationship that Smith now openly describes as fractured.
Almost a year later, Smith opened up about the aftermath during an appearance on "In Depth with Graham Bensinger," providing a thoughtful yet honest take on the current state of affairs.
“We don’t like each other, and the world needs to know that,” Smith said. “But I don’t talk about it anymore.”
The tension, Smith explained, crossed into personal territory when James publicly challenged him over commentary about Bronny’s NBA readiness. “Did I think he crossed the line with the incident involving his son where he was telling me not to say anything? Of course I think,” Smith said. “I don’t think I did what he said that I was doing. And I thought that was very, very unfair and it was a low blow.”
Still, Smith struck a reflective tone. At 58, he said he has chosen perspective over resentment.
“Time heals everything,” Smith said, noting that as James approaches 41, “Father Time is undefeated.” He added that he has no interest in being defined by personal dislike. “I’m not interested in walking around bitter and with a grudge.”
James, a four-time champion and one of the most decorated players in NBA history, remains central to the league’s identity. Last season, he continued to produce at a high level while guiding a Lakers team navigating playoff positioning in a crowded Western Conference. Smith acknowledged that greatness.
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“It’s important that everyone knows I know how great he is,” Smith said. “He is one of the greatest, top two, top three greatest players we have ever seen in our lifetimes.”
Smith also highlighted the significant influence James has had. “What he has done for the game, what he has done as a role model for countless African-American men in this country and beyond cannot be measured,” he said.
The ESPN personality admitted that stars like James have fueled his own platform. “Anybody who has been that great, people like me have benefited,” Smith said. “He gives us something to talk about.”
He made clear he will continue doing his job. “If he does great, I’m going to be the first one to stand up and say he’s done great. If he makes a mistake, I got to do my job.”
When James’ career is ultimately evaluated, Smith insisted his critique will be narrow. “The only negative thing you’ll hear me say about him is that he ain’t the GOAT. That’s Michael Jordan.”
For now, the rivalry remains part of the NBA’s larger conversation, two powerful voices orbiting the same stage, even if they prefer different corners of it.