In a candid admission, Stephen A. Smith revealed the truth about his relationship with LeBron James, confessing, “I don’t like him, and he don’t like me.” What sparked this explosive feud between the two, and how did their public clash unfold? Get the full, jaw-dropping details behind their bitter exchange and what’s really going on behind the scenes! 👇👇

Stephen A. Smith Opens Up About His Tense Relationship with LeBron James: “I Don’t Like Him, and He Don’t Like Me”

The ongoing tension between NBA star LeBron James and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith was reignited recently after a viral confrontation courtside during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the New York Knicks. Smith, known for his outspoken opinions on First Take, has addressed the ongoing friction, revealing more about their complicated relationship, which took a public turn after an interaction in March.

The Confrontation and the Root of the Feud

In an appearance on First Take, Stephen A. Smith opened up about the tense moment between him and LeBron James during the Lakers-Knicks game. According to Smith, the incident was not entirely unexpected. It all began when Smith had made remarks about LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, and the Lakers’ use of him. Smith expressed concerns about how the Lakers were handling Bronny’s development and the impact of the attention surrounding his father.

Smith suggested that the interaction was more about personal animosity than the issue of Bronny himself. “I don’t like him, and he don’t like me,” Smith said, candidly addressing the situation. “He hid behind his son, tried to make something out of nothing, as if I was dogging his son, which I was not. The real issue was we don’t like each other. And he used that as an excuse to confront me. I got it.”

Keeping It Professional Despite Personal Feelings

Despite the personal tension, Smith made it clear that he separates his personal feelings from his professional role as a commentator. “He’s one of the greatest players who’s ever lived. I’m going to show him that respect, and I’m going to cover him objectively,” Smith explained. “When he does great, I’m gonna applaud. When he doesn’t do great, I’m not gonna applaud.” This response demonstrates Smith’s professional integrity, highlighting his ability to keep his opinions on James’ performance separate from any personal animosity.

Smith’s willingness to remain objective is something he has maintained throughout his career, as he continues to analyze players like LeBron James, no matter their personal relationship.

The Incident as a “Father-to-Father” Exchange

At the time of the confrontation, Smith described it as more of a “father-to-father” moment than a conflict between a basketball player and a sports journalist. He noted that while the incident was public, it was rooted in personal issues that both men had kept private until that moment. For Smith, this interaction was less about basketball and more about navigating personal dynamics that had been simmering beneath the surface for some time.

A Willingness to Have a Private Discussion

Despite the tension, Smith said that he would be open to having a private conversation with LeBron James to clear the air. “He knows how to get in contact with me if he wanted to,” Smith said, signaling that he’s open to resolving their differences in a more personal and private setting. Smith also made it clear that if he had the chance to speak one-on-one with LeBron, he would reassure him that he would “never speak negatively” about Bronny James. The younger James has been splitting time between the NBA and the G-League during the 2024-2025 season, and Smith emphasized that his comments about the Lakers’ handling of Bronny were never intended to be personal.

Moving Forward

While the confrontation between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James remains a subject of conversation, it seems both men are willing to focus on their professional roles moving forward. Smith’s comments about their relationship have provided a glimpse into the challenges of navigating personal differences while still being able to professionally discuss someone’s career. Whether or not they choose to engage in a private conversation remains to be seen, but for now, Smith has made it clear that he will continue to analyze and comment on James’ performance without letting personal feelings cloud his judgment.

Conclusion: A Relationship Marked by Tension but Professional Respect

The public exchange between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James is a reminder that even in the world of sports commentary, personal relationships can shape the way players and commentators interact. While the tension between them is palpable, Smith’s commitment to providing objective analysis, despite their personal history, speaks to his professionalism and integrity. Both men, while far from being on friendly terms, continue to be integral parts of the basketball landscape, and their interactions—whether positive or negative—only add to the drama and intrigue surrounding the sport.