The ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James has reached unprecedented levels, with both parties exchanging sharp words online following a confrontation at a game earlier this month.
Recently, 57-year-old Smith has made headlines by suggesting he would physically confront James, who is 40, expressing in an interview his readiness to retaliate.
Stephen A Smith says he would’ve swung on LeBron: “If that man would’ve put his hands on me. I would’ve immediately swung on him. Immediately.”
(h/t @gifdsports )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2025
In a retaliatory move, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer took to social media to mock Smith by sharing an old video of him sparring.
LeBron cheekily captioned the post: “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMPPPPPPPP.”
LEBRON POSTED THE STEPHEN A BOXING CLIP ON HIS IG LMFAOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/enNveHgP0i
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) March 27, 2025
Clearly not amused by this mockery, Smith fired back during Thursday’s episode of “First Take,” where he launched into a lengthy 17-minute tirade.
Stephen A. Smith responds to LeBron’s IG post: “That’s how petty you’ve become?… When has LeBron ever done something like that?… This man is in his feelings. I wonder why? Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the GOAT?”
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/6SJG5C4qIS
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 27, 2025
Smith also appeared to take personal digs at LeBron during his remarks.
“I never brought up really, and never really discussed why you were not at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service. I never really brought up or discussed why you did not attend Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction.”
“I never brought up really & never really discussed why you were not at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service.”
— Stephen A. Smith on LeBron 😳
(h/t @ClutchPoints)pic.twitter.com/iJUkBQRV1j
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 27, 2025
This claim has sparked debate, as reports suggest that LeBron was indeed present at Kobe’s memorial but preferred to stay off camera. In light of this, Smith later issued an apology for his comments.
My apologies and clarification. I misspoke in Hour#1 of @FirstTake today when I intimated that LeBron did not attend Kobe Bryant’s memorial. I corrected myself in Hour#2 when I acknowledged he was indeed in attendance. My mistake. Should not have even broached that subject. It…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 27, 2025
Additionally, Smith referenced LeBron’s absence from Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction, noting that this coincided with the time when Bronny had a serious health scare.
This entire debacle seems to exemplify LeBron’s critique of Smith making things too personal, particularly based on remarks surrounding the first-ever NBA father-son duo.
In previous comments, Smith expressed strong feelings as a father, urging LeBron to respect his son’s space regarding the prospect of Bronny joining the NBA.
“I don’t care bro… keep my son out this shit”
– LeBron told Stephen A to watch his mouth😭
(via @legendz_nba)
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 7, 2025
“He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now… If it’s one person that couldn’t wait for the video to drop so you could address it, it’s your ass.“
– LeBron goes after Stephen A. 🍿pic.twitter.com/vtWcPOAjN5
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) March 26, 2025
If there were to be a physical confrontation between the 6-foot-1 journalist and the towering 6-foot-9 athlete, betting lines already favor LeBron heavily, positioning him as a significant favorite at -5000 against Smith at +1000.
