The LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith saga isn’t cooling down anytime soon — and now, Emmanuel Acho has entered the chat.
The former NFL linebacker-turned-analyst took to social media to call out sports media personalities, particularly Smith, for what he sees as double standards. Acho didn’t just defend LeBron’s fiery response — he backed it up with a bigger point.
Acho Backs LeBron James, Criticizes Stephen A. Smith for Crossing the Line
LeBron James isn’t one to stay quiet when it comes to his family. After Stephen A. Smith criticized Bronny James’ NBA career and questioned LeBron James’ role as a father, it was only a matter of time before LeBron James clapped back.
And when it finally happened? Emmanuel Acho was all for it. Posting a video on X, Acho shared his thoughts on the situation.
[Insert tweet link here]“I love it,” Acho said. “I’m glad LeBron not only saw him, but I’m glad he kept that same energy.”
Acho believes sports analysts have too much freedom to speak recklessly, and this time, LeBron James had every right to check it. “We need to be held responsible for what we say about people. Myself included.”
He wasn’t just hyping up the confrontation — he was pointing out the problem with sports media personalities going too far.
“Remember when Stephen A. had the audacity to say, ‘LeBron, I’m pleading with you as a father’?”
That was the moment Acho believed Smith crossed a line. Criticizing players? Fair game. But questioning someone’s parenting? Acho saw that as going too far.
Why This Debate Is Bigger Than Just LeBron James vs. Smith
Acho’s frustration isn’t just about this one moment — it’s about the power of sports media and its impact on players.
The video shows that Acho felt Smith was quick to bring up doubts, while also acknowledging that analysts sometimes go too far. “At some point, the line has to be drawn.”
Acho thinks this wasn’t just about LeBron James defending his son — it was about holding sports analysts accountable for what they say.
And what made LeBron James’ response even better? Acho noted that the four-time NBA champ didn’t even give Smith a chance to respond.
“It wasn’t a dialogue. It was a monologue. You talk all the time. Now it’s my turn to speak.”
The LeBron James vs. Smith feud makes for a great NBA storyline. But it’s bigger than that. It’s a larger conversation about how media figures talk about athletes and their families. Acho’s message? If you’re going to critique players, do it fairly. Don’t cross the line.
And if LeBron Jame’ confrontation with Smith proved anything? Superstars are done letting media personalities say whatever they want without consequences.