LeBron’s courtside confrontation may have made headlines, but Stephen A. Smith isn’t backing down. Just when it seemed like the debate was winding down, Smith found the perfect way to turn the tables—using Carmelo Anthony’s own words against him. What was meant to defend LeBron ended up fueling Smith’s argument even more. So, did Melo accidentally give SAS the upper hand, or is there more to the story?

“I want to thank Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony for saying what they said.” SAS referred to Melo’s 7PM podcast, where the former players chimed in on the situation. “My issue which is why I appreciated Melo, because Melo put it where the GOATS can get it. ‘I’m shi—ng on your son,’ that’s not true! Bronny James, that is not true.” Smith doubled down on his previous take that his being critical of Bronny James was never the reason for confrontation with LeBron James’

The clip that the ESPN veteran used from the podcast, where Melo understood the frustration of LeBron. “Bron has never spoken on any situation with Stephen A. So if I’m sitting there for 20-plus years and I’m just taking all of this information all the shi- that you’ve said to me, is about me over the years now my son is the trigger.” Using this sentiment from the Knicks legend, Smith would explain that LeBron was just looking for an excuse to get into a stand-off.

“Melo’s right, this wasn’t about Bronny, this was an excuse LeBron was looking for to get at me.” But that’s not the only context of Carmelo Anthony’s true feelings about the entire situation. On his podcast, the Syracuse alum supported the idea of his friend and former teammate stepping up to the media mogul.

“Yes, like about time. Because now that you set the tone with the biggest guy right, you set the tone with everybody else. Talk about the game, talk about my son’s game. Don’t talk about me as a father. You have no rights to talk about me as a father and how what I deal with in my household.” Being a father, Melo clearly understood where LeBron James was coming from. During the podcast, the 10x All-Star weighed in on both sides, since he is not only a former player now but will soon step in as a broadcaster.

Since he spoke from both sides, Stephen A. Smith used Melo’s words in his favor as a final statement signaling the end of beef. But in reality, the Syracuse legend understood both perspectives. However, he did side with LeBron for shunning the media narratives.

Apart from Carmelo Anthony, even Dwyane Wade responded on how he would have handled the situation

Melo, D-Wade, and LeBron were all part of the 2003 draft class. From the get-go, all three of them showed their potential and were always pitted against each other. The trio would later create a bond that lasted not just on court, but even beyond. Naturally, seeing each other’s weak moments and rising from them helped to strengthen the bond further.

When TMZ Sports caught up with Dwyane Wade in New York City a week ago, they asked the Heat icon about his stance. “I would have walked up on him the same way,” Wade told TMZ, making it clear he would’ve handled it just like LeBron did. After all, this is the same guy he won two titles with in Miami. And if it was his family under fire? He wouldn’t have thought twice about stepping up.

Other teammates and analysts also spoke about the Stephen A. Smith- LeBron James feud. Even though the former seems to end now, it will interesting if it really ends.