“Family over everything,” that’s the saying LeBron James goes by. He might be one of the most influential basketball icons in NBA history. However, if there is anything that ranks above is the beautiful family that he has built. Naturally, when his son, Bronny James was drafted by the Lakers, it became a contentious topic. Analysts such as Stephen A. Smith gave their two cents on the matter. But some felt like stabs towards the James clan.

So the Akron Hammer didn’t stand around. He went up to Stephen A. Smith when the Lakers played the Knicks at the Crypto.com Arena and confronted him about not getting his elder son involved in the propaganda of the media. Since then many have said James stepping into Bronny James’ defense could be perceived as a sign of weakness. Why is dad doing the answering? But to James, the role of being a father is the greatest responsibility of his life.

“One of the reasons I’ve always been so impressed with LeBron James is he didn’t grow up with a father. It’s pretty understood that both parents can over the course of time be very beneficial to any child who then becomes an adult. LeBron James has stayed out of trouble and he did not have that guiding strong hand of a father,” Colin Cowherd said sympathizing with James.

Having grown up in a household with only his mother, Gloria, LeBron James had a tough upbringing. Not having a father’s influence is exactly what motivated James to never make his children feel the same way. And now that he is coming off strongly, Collin Cowherd still supports James even if that means opposing his ex-colleague.

“LeBron James has stayed out of trouble and he did not have that guiding strong hand of a father. Yet you would never know it he’s been a terrific father, a terrific husband, a wonderful businessman… LeBron takes so much pride in being a father because he did not have that at home that he is going to air on the side of overprotective. And I’m going to defend the hell out of LeBron for that,” said Cowherd on his podcast.

And as it goes, that is exactly the thing that may have ticked off LeBron James.

LeBron James is acting like a father

Although he is a father to Bronny James, from a professional perspective, LeBron James has avoided meddling in his career. He sings praises about the 20-year-old’s astounding work ethic. And to him, it’s inevitable that he will grow in confidence. However, while he himself is used to criticism, there was one particular comment that Stephen A. Smith made that really irked the four-time MVP.

“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” he said on ESPN’s First Take. And for someone not looking to bring a negative spotlight on the rookie, it felt like a strong jab. James’ discontent at this was recently confirmed when he told his former teammate Richard Jefferson about the same. 

“Once he talks about, ‘I’m pleading you as a father,’ I can’t… that’s the only thing I’m tripping,” he allegedly told Jefferson.

And well, can you really blame LeBron James in this situation? Having his son with him has become such a polarizing topic. Bronny James was already burdened with immense pressure just for being his offspring. However, while talking about his son, a boundary needs to be maintained.

Even Stephen A. Smith, who would otherwise be ranting understood where James came from. He admitted that a father stood before him and not an NBA player. So whether a father figure existed or didn’t, James is just doing what any father trying to shield his son from unnecessary criticism would have done.

It might be uncharacteristic considering how aloof LeBron James is to scrutiny. But what he won’t take is doubts about his fatherhood and his son’s eligibility. Both of them have worked extremely hard. And while Bronny’s path wasn’t traditional, he isn’t taking any advantages of being the son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.