ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James aren’t friends and probably won’t ever be in this lifetime after Smith’s recent comments about the 21-time All-Star.
On the popular 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Smith sent a cold-blooded five-word message to James ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“I don’t like his (expletive),” Smith said before explaining why he doesn’t get along with the four-time NBA champion.
“You do not understand the lengths this man will go to,” Smith added. This dates back more than a decade. I believe he’s one way publicly and he’s another way privately.”
“He might not be interviewed and he might not be quoted, but the things he says, and the things he has said to people has gotten back to me. The things that he’s tried to do if it were up to him I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s some low, low (expletive).”
James didn’t shy away from confronting Smith last season after his controversial comments about his son, Bronny.
Essentially, Smith suggested that Bronny, who didn’t impress at the collegiate level (he averaged 4.8 points per game at USC but ended up being the Lakers’ No. 55 overall draft pick), is only in the NBA because of who his father is and doesn’t deserve the recognition he’s receiving on his First Take morning show.
Smith’s harsh words got back to James, compelling him to give Smith a piece of mind during the Lakers’ Mar. 7 contest against the New York Knicks (he allegedly provided Smith with a stern warning before returning to Los Angeles’ huddle).
Can both parties reconcile and be cordial with one another? Probably not, considering neither side appears interested in squashing their ongoing beef anytime soon.
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