LeBron James confronted ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith during the break in the Lakers-Knicks game and allegedly said: “Keep my son out of this s**t.”

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect – Scanpix

Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect – Scanpix

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James confronted ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith during his team’s overtime victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.

Player of the Game EFF

38 LeBron James Points 31 Accuracy 11-23 Rebounds 12 Assists 8

The LA Lakers won 113-109, and tensions flared when LeBron reportedly took issue with Smith’s recent criticism of his son, Bronny.

During a break in the game, James allegedly told Smith, “I’mma tell you one time, bro. Keep my son out of this s**t, bro.”

Smith had previously urged LeBron to stop pushing Bronny into the NBA spotlight too soon, suggesting that the 20-year-old rookie would be better off honing his skills in the G League.

James may have caught wind of Smith’s latest critique, which aired earlier on First Take.

“I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this,” A. Smith exclaimed on January 29, 2025. “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”

In the game against New York, LeBron had 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. The Lakers celebrated their eighth straight victory, improving to a 40-21 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

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