LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith’s Feud Heats Up Over NBA Media Coverage
The ongoing rift between Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith continues to escalate, with the two exchanging heated words over NBA media coverage. The feud, which started earlier this month, has now drawn attention from sports analysts, fans, and even casual observers who tune in for major NBA discussions. As basketball debates rage on, some fans find solace in enjoying their favorite Raz Vape Flavors or even unwinding with a smooth hit from Geek Bars while following the drama.
The Origins of the Feud
James confronted Smith at a Lakers game on March 6 over what he perceived as unfair and personal attacks, particularly concerning his son, Bronny James. Smith had previously stated that Bronny was only in the NBA because of his father and should be playing in the developmental G-League instead.
James addressed the issue on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, calling out Smith for exploiting their confrontation for media attention. “He completely missed the whole point,” James said, clarifying that he has no problem with fair criticism of players but takes issue when coverage becomes personal. Meanwhile, Smith has fired back on multiple platforms, including First Take, where he accused James of lying about the situation and deflected attention back onto LeBron’s past decisions.
A War of Words and Media Firestorm
Smith intensified the feud by claiming that James misrepresented his comments and suggested that the four-time NBA champion should be “grateful” for topics that he hadn’t brought up yet. He even referenced James’ absence at key events like Kobe Bryant’s memorial and Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction—though later clarified that James did attend Bryant’s service, despite not being shown on camera.
As the battle between James and Smith dominates headlines, basketball remains at the core of the conversation. James proved his ability to block out the noise with a clutch performance on Wednesday, tipping in a buzzer-beating layup to lead the Lakers to a dramatic 120-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. The moment drew reactions from longtime critics like Skip Bayless, who called it “THE EASIEST WALK-OFF BUZZER-BEATER IN NBA HISTORY.”
With emotions running high, the feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith is far from over. While some NBA fans tune in for the drama, others simply enjoy the action on the court with their favorite Raz Vape Flavors or a relaxing puff of Geek Bars. One thing is certain—both James and Smith know how to keep people talking.
