If you thought LeBron James checking Stephen A. Smith courtside was the end of this saga, think again.
Smith, never one to back down, just fired back hard on The Stephen A. Smith Show, taking direct aim at LeBron’s alleged behind-the-scenes influence in getting Bronny James into the NBA. Smith went all out with his rant and didn’t hold back one bit.
Smith Calls Out LeBron for ‘Manipulating’ Bronny’s NBA Path
Ever since LeBron and Smith’s heated courtside exchange during the Lakers-Knicks game, the sports world has been buzzing. But Smith? He’s standing his ground. And now, he’s making it clear that his issue was never with Bronny.
“It was never about Bronny. I wouldn’t do that to a kid,” Smith said. “It was about his dad, and the things he maneuvered and manipulated to get his son to wear the same uniform as him.” Yeah, he said the quiet part out loud.
Smith acknowledged that second-round picks struggle before finding their footing in the league. However, he argued that Bronny’s situation is different because he’s LeBron’s son.
“The NIL deals. The four-year, $8 million contract. That doesn’t happen for the average 55th overall pick in the second round,” Smith pointed out.
In his eyes, LeBron didn’t just guide Bronny’s career; he actively pulled strings to ensure they’d end up on the same team. And in classic Stephen A. fashion, he wasn’t afraid to say it.
LeBron vs. Smith: This One Isn’t Over Yet
This latest rant only fuels the fire in an already explosive debate.
LeBron, who confronted Smith face-to-face last week, has not responded publicly to these new accusations. While he had an animated conversation with Richard Jefferson during the pre-game shootaround at the TD Garden, James still has yet to clearly retaliate. However, knowing how protective he is of Bronny, it wouldn’t be shocking if he fired back soon.
Being LeBron James’ son comes with once-in-a-lifetime perks but also insane pressure. On one hand, Bronny has access to elite training, NBA-level mentorship, and doors opening left and right. But on the other, every move he makes is scrutinized.
If he succeeds, people will say it’s because of LeBron’s pull. If he struggles, critics will call him overhyped. No matter what, his journey won’t ever be “normal.” And that’s the double-edged sword of being a James.
At this point, this isn’t just about Bronny’s future in the NBA—it’s about LeBron’s influence, media narratives, and the fine line between mentorship and manipulation.
One thing’s for sure: Smith isn’t backing down. And LeBron’s next move could set the tone for this battle. This thing is not over yet, not by a long shot.