LeBron James, the celebrated NBA superstar, rarely makes guest appearances on shows unless his production company is involved. However, he made an exception for Pat McAfee’s show on ESPN to promote his upcoming podcast, which he will host alongside fellow basketball legend, Steve Nash. During his appearance, James didn’t shy away from addressing comments made by Stephen A. Smith, ESPN’s highest-paid commentator, regarding his son, Bronny James.
Smith had previously made critical remarks about Bronny after a Lakers game, suggesting that he should not be in the NBA after a poor performance. James confronted Smith during a match, expressing that he felt the commentator had gone too far in his criticism and had taken it personally. Smith later reflected on this encounter during an episode of his show, stating that he recognised James as a father defending his son rather than just an athlete confronting criticism.
James responded to Smith’s claims, clarifying that he supports professional critiques of players but drew the line at personal attacks on his family. He expressed that the media, including Smith, often crosses that boundary, adding a humorous jab about Smith’s reaction being akin to a ‘Taylor Swift tour run’ due to his extensive commentary on the incident.
Smith, who had just secured a $158 million extension with ESPN, acknowledged that he felt a responsibility to avoid escalating the situation in the public eye. He noted that the circumstances could have easily led to a spectacle given the media environment, particularly with the cameras rolling during the game.
Following the confrontation, Smith noted that his views on Bronny’s potential may have shifted as the young player has recently showcased significant improvement, scoring a career-high 17 points in one game and an impressive 39 for the Lakers’ G League team.
Meanwhile, amidst growing speculation about his own career, Smith has also been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate for the Democratic Party in 2028. He addressed these rumours during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, stating he’s content in his current role and does not seek a political path, despite appreciating the attention.
In summary, this episode highlights the complex relationship between public figures, media scrutiny, and family loyalty, showcasing how professional athletes like James navigate criticism within the public domain while fiercely protecting their loved ones.