It isn’t easy being the child of one who stakes his claim as “one of the greatest” in the NBA. This is the reality for LeBron James’s son Bronny James. Moreover, media scrutiny has only further intensified ever since he joined the Lakers. A lot of critics have questioned his pick into the highest level. Many claim that his selection in the NBA is because of his father’s influence. Interestingly, Stephen A. Smith has been particularly vocal about this. He even stated, “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.” How well did it sit with LeBron James?

It’s just as well as anybody would expect. The answer is now out for everybody to see. During a recent Lakers game, LeBron finally got the opportunity to confront Smith courtside! Although his exact words are unknown, eyewitnesses reported that LeBron told Smith to “I don’t care, bro… keep my son out of this s—“. Smith later acknowledged the confrontation, explaining on his show that LeBron, as a father, was defending his son. While some would criticize LeBron over his actions, this 5-time NBA All-star seems to side with King James.

NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. doesn’t think LeBron is wrong in this situation. However, he admitted he would have handled the matter differently. “I do the same thing,” Hardaway shared. “I just do it behind closed doors.” He explained that he prefers to approach people privately, speaking to them one-on-one instead of making a public spectacle. For Hardaway, such discussions should happen in private. “I go in and talk to you, let you understand my point, and then leave it at that,” he added.

Well, according to Hardaway, it seems that LeBron’s actions were just done in the heat of the moment. “That presented itself right then and there. LeBron said, ‘This is my opportunity to go to this man. I don’t care if it’s in front of 20,000 people… I got to tell this man how I feel right now,’” he explained. While Hardaway personally would have chosen a more private approach, he understood why LeBron reacted as he did. He suggested that a post-game meeting in a quiet setting could have been a more effective way to handle the issue. However, he also recognized that LeBron, as a father, acted on instinct.

LeBron and Stephen A. Smith’s Heated Exchange: What Really Happened?

LeBron James and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had a tense courtside moment after the Lakers’ overtime win against the Knicks on March 6. LeBron walked straight up to Smith, visibly frustrated. Fans immediately speculated—was this about Bronny James? The next morning, Smith confirmed the rumors. It really came true; LeBron really did have a face-to-face with the journalist.

While everyone might have thought that Smith would not take it well, it was surprising that he seemed to look at the incident with great understanding. He stated, “I really understood where he was coming from”. “He was very, very upset. I could tell,” Smith admitted on First Take. But did Smith regret his comments? Not at all.

“If I was in his position, I can’t definitively say I would not have done the same thing,” Smith said, acknowledging LeBron’s frustration. However, he defended his stance: “I get paid to call it like I see it.”

So, was this just a passionate father defending his son, or is there a deeper issue? Smith suggested that LeBron believed the criticism stemmed from personal tension between them. However, he insists, “I don’t have any animosity or animus towards LeBron James.” However, it seems that despite the confrontation, Smith is not folding down. Even though he is not looking to make enemies, he takes his job as a journalist very seriously. “That’s what I do for a living. And if you’re in the NBA, that applies to you.”

His words indicate that this might not be the end of it all; he may end up criticizing Bronny if there is something that needs to be criticized. Is this the end of the drama, or will tensions rise again? Only time will tell. What do you think?