LeBron James would probably prefer Stephen A. Smith stop talking about him. He won’t.
During the LA Lakers win over the New York Knicks, LeBron James confronted Stephen A. Smith to express his anger toward him.
LeBron had taken exception to comments made in relation to son Bronny James, and was speaking as a father rather than a basketball player.
And while both parties are seeking to move forward from the back and forth, LeBron is the biggest name in basketball, and the temptation to discuss him will always be there for Stephen A.
Predictably, this was precisely what happened when he was a guest on the Skip Bayless Show on YouTube.
Stephen A. Smith’s latest comments concerning LeBron James were about his defense, and the coaching job JJ Redick has done to get the players to buy in.
He explained, paying tribute to the Lakers’ sense of unity: “The level of accountability that JJ Redick has fostered is what I’ve been impressed most.
“I saw LeBron James the other night asking one of the assistants, what defensive assignment do you want me to take right now?
“What do you want me to call, who do you want me to guard here? What you want me to do? You want me to do that?”
“I’m not saying those things have never happened. I’m saying it’s wasn’t as conspicuous as it is now. We see it now.”
LeBron James’ defense has taken a noticeable improvement in 2025 in comparison to the start of the season, and particularly since Luka Doncic’s arrival.
NBA legend Isiah Thomas has also said he believes that LeBron James needs more praise for the season he is putting together at the age of 40. And it is hard to argue with that, especially when you hear how he is buying into the team’s all round game at his age.
But there is a small hurdle to overcome, LeBron is currently facing a spell on the sidelines with injury, an extra complication the team are dealing with amid a difficult schedule.
No date has been set for his return, but his absence could be a blessing in disguise for the team, allowing him a period of rest ahead of the playoffs.
