Stephen A. Smith had intended to celebrate a significant career milestone on what was meant to be a joyous evening. Recently, the ESPN commentator secured a five-year contract extension valued at $158 million, ensuring his continued presence at the network while attending a Lakers game in Los Angeles, where the team triumphed over the New York Knicks.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when Lakers’ superstar LeBron James approached Smith after the match for a heated conversation. This confrontation stemmed from comments Smith made on “First Take” regarding LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who failed to score in a previous game. Smith stated that Bronny being in the NBA was largely due to his father’s influence, a remark that reportedly upset LeBron.
During a subsequent episode of “First Take,” Smith reflected on this encounter, noting it felt less like a typical sports disagreement and more like a parental confrontation. He expressed his understanding of LeBron’s protective instincts as a father, admitting he wasn’t offended by the interaction. Smith emphasised that he would never disparage Bronny personally and indicated he was only discussing LeBron.
Despite the controversy, ESPN affirmed its commitment to Smith with the recent contract extension, making him the network’s highest-paid on-air personality. His contract was confirmed after extensive negotiations, with insiders revealing its financials. Smith plans to continue leading “First Take,” where he has been a pivotal figure since joining in 2012.
In addition to his TV role, there has been speculation regarding Smith’s potential involvement in politics, particularly concerning the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, a topic he addressed humorously during a recent television appearance. Nonetheless, he reiterated that he values his current career and life situation.
Ultimately, while Smith’s night didn’t go as planned due to the confrontation with LeBron, it certainly added a layer of drama to an already significant milestone in his career.