NBA – Stephen A. Smith adds another layer to the LeBron James saga: “I don’t like him”

ESPN (DR) / Stephen A. Smith (DR)

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

You thought the saga was over? Think again—Stephen A. Smith still has plenty to say about LeBron James. He’s continuing with a narrative that’s failing to convince anyone on social media and is clearly starting to irritate many observers.

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In the world of sports, some tensions remain clearly visible—even between highly respected figures. Stephen A. Smith, the famous NBA analyst, has reignited the fire by speaking out about his rocky relationship with LeBron James. While both men are often linked by their shared passion for basketball, their personal rapport appears to be far more complicated, fueling ongoing debate among fans and analysts alike.

Stephen A. Smith : “I have nothing to say about that. I don’t like him, and he don’t like me. He’s one of the greatest players who’s ever lived. I’m going to show him that respect, and I’m going to cover him objectively. When he does great, I’m gonna applaud. When he doesn’t do great, I’m not gonna applaud. He hid behind his son, tried to make something out of nothing, as if I was dogging his son, which I was not. The real issue was we don’t like each other. And he used that as an excuse to confront me. I got it.”

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LeBron James in the crosshairs again

In a recent interview, Smith didn’t hold back. His blunt statement highlights a genuine animosity between the two. While he emphasizes his continued professional respect for LeBron’s extraordinary talent and career, Smith is clear about the lack of personal affection between them.

Despite the tension, Smith insists he’ll remain fair in his coverage of LeBron, giving credit when it’s due and criticizing when necessary. His stance underscores the challenge of separating personal feelings from professional duties in the media world—especially when both figures are such public icons.

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LeBron, for his part, has yet to respond publicly to Smith’s remarks. Still, this latest outburst only adds fuel to the long-standing drama between one of basketball’s greatest players and one of its loudest media voices. Fans remain tuned in, aware that this dynamic could shape how the King is covered going forward.

The whole situation serves as a reminder of the sometimes strained relationships between athletes and the media—a delicate balance between respect, critique, and personal boundaries. For now, the Lakers and LeBron James will have to deal with this lingering tension as they gear up for what could be a pivotal season for the four-time MVP.

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