NBA superstar LeBron James and ESPN Analyst Stephen A. Smith are in the middle of a heated beef with no end in sight. However, tensions have continued to rise, and now, other names are being dragged into the mix. Dwyane Wade and the late Kobe Bryant have been mentioned by Smith in his crusade against “The King.” As the drama continues to get out of control, it will be very interesting to see which side gives in first.
Reports from the NY Post confirm that Stephen A Smith has gone in on LeBron James. On Thursday, Smith wanted to know why James was not at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service, as well as Dwyane Wade’s Hall Of Fame induction. Although, it was later confirmed that James was in fact at the memorial service. Smith would then have to go to social media and apologise. Stephen retracted his statement but made it clear that everything else he brought up was still very much how he felt. However, the reason James missed Wade’s induction into the NBA Hall of Fame was due to his son, Bronny James, going into cardiac arrest. Fans on social media are seemingly getting sick of the constant rambling from Smith. Some even think he brought up Wade and Bryant for a “rating boost.”
Lebron James and Stephen A. Smith Continue Their Ongoing Beef
“I suggest that [James] be happy with the things that I haven’t brought up,” Smith said. “I never brought up really and never really discussed why you were not at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service. I never really brought up or discussed why you did not attend Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction when that man was directly responsible for you capturing a championship for the first time in your career,” he said.
Since back when the first altercation between James and Smith went down courtside at a Lakers game, Smith, as well as LeBron have been saying basically whatever they want. Stephen even claimed he would have swung on LBJ at the game if he had put his hands on him. This prompted James to post a video to his personal Instagram. The video is of Stephen A. Smith practicing his boxing a few years ago. Although, LeBron did not seem too impressed by Smith’s combat skills.
All of this bad blood stems from Stephen A. Smith having a very harsh opinion on LeBron James’ Son, Bronny James. James would then confront Smith publicly at the Lakers game. Smith was not a fan of how it was handled, so he fired right back at the superstar. Weeks later, nothing has changed. The two are still beefing, with no end in sight. However, with the playoffs approaching quickly, outside noises will soon be tuned out by most high-level players.
LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for another NBA championship. However, the path will not be easy. The Thunder, Wolves, and Nuggets guard the West. As for the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics are the real threats. However, anything can happen in the playoffs. Hopefully, Smith and James can get over themselves before what is sure to be some great post-season basketball.