Stephen A. Smith Says He Would Have Punched Le…
Stephen A. Smith Claims He Would Have Punched LeBron James in Hypothetical Clash
Los Angeles, CA – March 26, 2025
ESPN’s outspoken commentator Stephen A. Smith ignited a firestorm of debate today after claiming on his YouTube show that he would have “immediately swung” at NBA superstar LeBron James if their recent courtside confrontation had turned physical. The bold statement, made during a fiery response to James’ criticism of him on The Pat McAfee Show, has amplified an already heated feud between the two high-profile figures, drawing reactions from fans and analysts alike.
The saga began on March 6, 2025, during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena. Cameras captured James approaching Smith, who was seated courtside, in what appeared to be an intense exchange. Smith later revealed that James had confronted him over his critical comments about James’ son, Bronny, a rookie with the Lakers. Lip-readers and Smith himself suggested James told him to “stop f***ing with my son,” a sentiment the ESPN host initially met with empathy, acknowledging James’ protective instincts as a father.
However, the tone shifted dramatically on Wednesday, March 26, when Smith addressed James’ latest remarks. On The Pat McAfee Show, James accused Smith of missing the point of their dispute and suggested the pundit had taken his critique of Bronny too personally. Smith fired back on his own platform, escalating the rhetoric to a new level. “Had that man put his hands on me, I would have immediately swung on him. Immediately,” Smith declared, referencing the hypothetical scenario. He quickly added a dose of self-awareness, admitting, “I would’ve gotten my a** kicked” by the 6’9”, 250-pound James, likening the potential outcome to Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
The feud traces back to Smith’s ongoing commentary on Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Smith has repeatedly argued that Bronny’s NBA presence is largely due to his father’s influence, a stance that has irked LeBron. “I was pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this,” Smith had said in January on First Take, asserting that Bronny’s struggles—averaging just 1.4 points in limited NBA minutes—stemmed from premature exposure orchestrated by his dad. Bronny has since shown promise in the G League, averaging 21.9 points per game, but the narrative persists.
Social media erupted following Smith’s latest comments, with fans split between amusement and disbelief. Some praised his bravado, while others mocked the idea of the 57-year-old analyst squaring off against one of basketball’s greatest athletes. “Stephen A. talking like he’s ready to step in the ring with LeBron is peak entertainment,” one X user posted, while another quipped, “He’d swing and wake up in 2030.”
Smith, however, stood firm, framing his reaction as a matter of principle. “I knew he wasn’t going to do something like that—no fear in my mind about it,” he said, dismissing any suggestion of intimidation. He also refuted James’ claim that he’d exaggerated the incident for attention, insisting, “I don’t need this to talk about LeBron. He’s LeBron James. I use anything in the news for ratings—that’s my job.”
The confrontation has cast a spotlight on the tense dynamic between athletes and media personalities, with James previously calling out pundits for “sh***ing” on the NBA. For now, the war of words shows no signs of cooling. As the Lakers prepare for their next game, and Smith gears up for his next broadcast, the sports world waits to see if this clash will remain verbal—or if the improbable ever becomes reality.
Reporting based on events and statements as of March 26, 2025.
