When LeBron James confronted Stephen A. Smith during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks on March 6, you knew the situation could get ugly someday. That’s exactly what’s happening now as the beef between Smith and James is escalating.
James’ latest shot at Smith involved posting a hilarious viral video of the latter boxing. It was in response to Smith claiming he would have swung at James if he had hit him during their viral encounter, and that was never going to go down well with the ESPN analyst. Smith went off on James on “First Take” on Thursday.
“That’s how petty you’ve become,” Smith asked on First Take. “You’re LeBron James, you’re that butthurt over the things I’m saying that you would post that video? When has LeBron James ever done something like that? But suddenly you’re doing that as it pertains to me.
“This man is in his feelings,” Smith added. “I wonder why? Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the GOAT? Because I’ll never believe you’re the GOAT. Because I have you number two all-time?”
.@stephenasmith responds to LeBron James’ recent comments ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XBLfymlWrL
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 27, 2025
Smith went on to claim that he had done “everything but put diapers and a bib” on James. He stated that he had always spoken positively about the Los Angeles Lakers star as a father, husband, philanthropist, etc., but is coming under fire now solely for not anointing him as the GOAT.
It will be interesting to see if James responds to all that Smith had to say here. This is probably the first time ever that someone has publicly called him out in this manner on national television.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
During this episode, Smith also went off on James for not attending Kobe Bryant’s memorial. That has proven to be an inaccurate statement, though, and Smith is shooting himself in the foot with some of these comments.
Related: NBA Fans Expose Stephen A. Smith For Lying – LeBron James Attended Kobe Bryant’s Memorial