Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James (Photo By Imagn Images)
Last season, LeBron James made headlines by pairing with his son, Bronny James, as the first active father-son duo in the league. In his rookie season, Bronny suffered much that caught sharp criticism from Stephen A. Smith.

The criticism did not sit well with LeBron, who publicly responded after an NBA game. Smith, in turn, called LeBron’s reaction “weak” and “bullshit.”

Smith has previously discussed his tense relationship with James and admitted that there is mutual dislike between him and the Lakers star. Recently, during an appearance on Gil’s Arenas with Gilbert Arenas, Smith again spoke candidly about his long-standing tension with LeBron. He made it clear that neither side harbors goodwill.

“There’s no relationship. He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him. There’s nobody who can mediate. I don’t talk about him unless I’m asked. Some people say, ‘Well, why do you talk about him?’ Because I was asked. This is what I do for a living, so how the hell am I gonna get away with saying ‘no comment?’” Smith said.

Despite the public disputes, Smith prefers to keep certain knowledge private. Smith later hinted at behind-the-scenes incidents that have added strain to their dynamic.

“People don’t know the things that have happened behind the scenes, the kind of things that have been engaged in an effort to hurt me. There’s a lot of s**t that I know that I don’t say. If I never, ever speak to him in life, I’m good with it,” Smith added.

Stephen A. Smith Shares Respect For LeBron James As A Player

Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James (Photo By Imagn Images)
Despite the personal animosity, Smith was quick to separate LeBron’s professional achievements from his personal differences with him. Smith then acknowledged LeBron’s impact on the game.

“I have no desire to talk about him. He is, in my mind, the second greatest player in the history of basketball. He’s been an incredible ambassador to the game of basketball. His respect has been earned, not given. But that’s the basketball player, not the man,” Smith said.

NBA fans are no strangers to Stephen A. Smith’s outspoken nature. But his feud with LeBron has drawn unusually intense attention. With both men holding firm opinions and no signs of reconciliation, it appears this high-profile rivalry is far from over.