LeBron James Sparks Intense Emotions Among Parents By Defending Son Against Stephen A. Smith In Viral Video

LeBron James is receiving widespread praise from parents after a heated altercation he had with Stephen A. Smith over his comments about James' son, Bronny James, went viral.

On March 6, 2025, James confronted Smith, who hosts the popular ESPN show "First Take," while he was sitting courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers game.

From the short clip being spread around social media, online users believed James told the sports commentator to mind his words about his son.

The following day, Stephen A. Smith addressed his interaction with James during a segment on his talk show, and he clarified what he and the NBA star discussed. After making the public aware, many chimed in, showing overwhelming support for James as a parent; however, a few questioned if he made the right move.

In January 2025, after a terrible showing against the Philadelphia 76ers, Smith shared critical comments about James' son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers the year before.

“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: stop this. Stop this,” he said on camera during an episode of "First Take."

He continued, “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad."

Smith explained that despite James' son being drafted into the league, he didn't believe his production level was where it should be. The television personality praised the 20-year-old's skill in the G League (the NBA's official minor league) before saying he hopes to see the athlete develop over time.

However, Smith still mentioned Bronny's NBA performance, which many at the time deemed underwhelming.

“You know what people are saying. You know what they’re going to do to this kid,” Smith said. “In 13 games, he has played 44 minutes. He has scored four points, he is shooting 1-of-16 from the field, 0-for-7 from 3-point range. How are you doing him favors? We know that he’s not ready yet. And I’m saying this with compassion."

Smith added, "You know what it’s going to do to your son, to people that are missing out on opportunities, that are busting their tail on other NBA teams and the G League and Europe and everywhere else, what kind of opportunity they are starving for? You’re exposing your son like this.”

Smith revealed that he was "pi--ed off" after some of James' representatives at Klutch Sports contacted him over the comments he made on air about the NBA star's son.

"People close to LeBron James are talking to me about questioning him as a father," he said on his podcast, "The Stephen A. Smith Show." "C’mon, y'all. I mean, it's got to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is just beyond the pale."

James initially remained silent about the statements. However, when he saw Smith during the Lakers' come-from-behind overtime win against the New York Knicks on Thursday night, he took the opportunity to address him directly.

Although what he said in the video specifically is unknown, social media users believe James told Smith to "keep my son out of this sh-t, bro."

On the March 7 episode of "First Take," Smith clarified for his co-hosts and viewers worldwide what occurred between him and James on the basketball court.

He revealed that the NBA baller was "very upset" with things he said, and as a father, he understood. "But he could've called me," Smith said.

"I’d have [come] to see him. I’d have had a conversation with him. He could’ve been just as upset face-to-face, man-to-man, as opposed to being courtside at the game. I had no idea that everybody saw it until I woke up this morning, but it is what it is in the end. Like I said, as a father, I get it," he continued.

Smith explained that although he didn't have any ill feelings toward James, it was his duty to cover the NBA.

"That’s what I do for a living. And if you’re in the NBA, that applies to you," he said. "I don’t want enemies. I live a very good life. I like to make people laugh and smile and have a good time and all that other stuff, but I also get paid to call it like I see it. And what I said at the time, I stand by what I said."

Following Smith and James' interaction going viral, many fans began sharing their thoughts about the Olympian's behavior, with several praising his parenting skills. "Bronny might not be a child, but Bron is still a father," one user commented.

"You spoke about his son publicly, so you got confronted publicly," another wrote before a third user agreed and praised James for addressing Smith "personally."

"There's no phone calls when it comes to family," they finished.

"Respect," a fourth netizen shared. "Nobody wants to hear someone speaking negatively about their child."

Despite many users defending James for standing up for his son, others believe the NBA champion went too far. "I would [have] been pissed [if] my dad stepped up for me," a person wrote. "Got me looking soft! Smh."

A second user shared a similar sentiment, wondering why it's only a problem if James' son gets criticized.

"Unpopular opinion, [but] LeBron's son [is] a basketball player in the league," a third person added. "Stephen covers the league. So, [are] you going to check everyone [who] speaks on his son? Let Bronny play, grow, and deal with all that comes with being an NBA player."