Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images); LeBron James (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith isn’t finished discussing his recent confrontation with LeBron James during a Los Angeles Lakers game.

After weeks of back-and-forth, Smith took another opportunity to clarify his stance on Bronny James while shedding light on his long-standing friction with the Lakers superstar.

On Monday’s episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the outspoken commentator reiterated that he never meant to criticize Bronny James but rather questioned LeBron’s role in the situation. Smith’s remarks sparked widespread debate, drawing reactions from former NBA stars like Dwyane Wade and Draymond Green.

The Root Of The Tension Between Stephen A. Smith And LeBron James

Stephen A. Smith clarified that his issues with LeBron extend beyond their recent dispute. He pointed to their differences over the GOAT debate as a major reason for their rocky relationship. “We don’t get along. And there’s a multitude of reasons why,” Smith said. “I ain’t Shannon Sharpe. It ain’t GOAT status this way. My GOAT is Michael Jordan. … [James] ain’t my GOAT. I watch the game. I’m a student of the game. I know a GOAT when I see one.”
Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

ESPN’s personality has long been vocal about his preference for Jordan as the greatest basketball player ever. This stance, he suggests, has put him at odds with LeBron James, who many believe has surpassed Jordan in terms of all-around greatness.

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Despite the tension, Smith maintained that his comments about Bronny were never meant to be an attack on the young player. “If I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong,” he stated. “If I’m right, I’m right. I was never (expletive) on Bronny James. Wouldn’t do that to the James family. I was talking about one person, and one person only.”

While LeBron appears to have moved on, Smith remains firm in his position. It remains to be seen if this latest exchange ends their already tense relationship. For now, the ESPN analyst stands his ground, making it clear that LeBron James’ response won’t change his opinions