Stephen A. Smith and Bronny James (Photos via ESPN and Imagn Images)
Social media is teeing off on ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith following his latest comments on Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James.

With LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined for Thursday night’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers gave Bronny James an extended look with 30 minutes of action. LeBron’s son was up for the challenge, posting the best game of his career with 17 points, three rebounds and five assists in the 118-89 blowout loss.

For those unfamiliar, a public feud has emerged between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James over the past few weeks.

At the Lakers’ Mar. 6 home game against the Knicks, LeBron confronted the polarizing ESPN analyst over comments made about Bronny. Back in January, Smith said Bronny is only in the NBA because of his father. Smith said he couldn’t repeat what was said during the conversation since it wasn’t appropriate for the “FCC airwaves.”

Well, Smith offered a much different opinion on Bronny James during Friday’s episode of “First Take.” The 57-year-old asked LeBron and his family if they were “listening,” before claiming, “I’ve always believed that this kid has the potential, once I watched him, to be in the NBA.”

And NBA fans destroyed Stephen A. Smith over his latest comments on Bronny.

“The cows aren’t ever coming home. 🤦🏾‍♂️ Just apologize and leave it alone,” one fan said.

“Gimme a break,” said another.

“Stephen A said LeBron was a bad father for having his son on the Lakers lol.. stop tryna change the issue,” quipped one fan.

“I’m convinced LeBron owns a piece of ESPN, going all the way back to “The Decision,” remarked a user.

“Clown back tracking like Prime in Atlanta 😹😹😹😹😹 Stand on what you said. Like a MAN,” said a fan.

Clown back tracking like Prime in Atlanta 😹😹😹😹😹

Stand on what you said. Like a MAN.

— Carmen (@Carmen_A_Jude) March 21, 2025

“this man would throw his own grandma under the bus one day and praise her as the patriarch of the family the next. anything for a little attention,” wrote a user.

Through his first 22 NBA contests, Bronny has averaged 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game, though he’s only averaging 5.8 minutes per contest.

Stephen A. Smith Recently Signed A Lucrative Contract Extension With ESPN

Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Two weeks ago, news broke that Smith signed a lucrative five-year contract extension with ESPN worth $100 million. Smith’s current deal is set to expire later this year, and the new contract consists of a reduced working schedule and more freedom to discuss politics outside of ESPN.