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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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During the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, star forward LeBron James and longtime NBA personality Stephen A Smith seemed to get into a heated discussion. Many wondered what the discussion was about but some started to speculate that it involved James' son Bronny.
Smith has been critical of Bronny since the Lakers drafted him and it seems that LeBron hasn't taken kindly to it. Normally, LeBron has taken the high road when it comes to trolls and other outside noise but with Bronny, he has decided to step in.
While appearing on the ESPN show First Take, Smith opened up about the situation, confirming that it had to do with Bronny.
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"That was LeBron James coming up to me, unexpectedly I might add, to confront me about making sure I mind what I say about his son. I can't repeat the words because they ain't suited for FCC airwaves. That's what he was doing. Now, I thought long and hard about this over the last few hours because I had no intention of talking about this at all and the reason why is because it was a one-on-one, I wouldn't say conversation but it was a one-on-one confrontation...that wasn't a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father. And I can't sit here and be angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in any way."
This is one of the first times that LeBron has taken exception to these types of criticisms. LeBron has taken more of a laissez-faire approach to media this season, likely due to everything with his son.
Smith mentioned that LeBron and his group could have contacted him in a different manner to discuss this if it was so pressing.
"For the record, his agent and friend Rich Paul has my number, Maverick Carter, who works under him has my number, LeBron James knows how to get into contact with me if he wanted to, he never called. Had he called and wanted to talk to me, I would have accepted that call. Had he wanted to see me, I would have flown out."
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Smith continued with his thoughts, offering what he would have said if it had been a different environment.
"What I would have said if we were in a different environment because I was not going to engage in a confrontation in that particular moment, that setting. But if we had, had that conversation, I would have said to LeBron James, I would never speak negatively about your son, I was talking about you...I have nothing but the best wishes for Bronny James."
Overall it was a respectable response from Smith regarding the situation.
Much like other people in basketball media, Smith went after Bronny for his struggles on the court. But LeBron likely viewed Smith in a different tier of respect so his words seemed to do more damage.
This entire situation is certainly one to watch and it remains to be seen if LeBron will respond back to Smith. Basketball fans will be watching closely to see if the legend decides to engage once again.
More NBA news:
LaMelo Ball Could Want Out of Hornets This Offseason: Report
Mavericks Star Anthony Davis Could Now Miss Rest of Season Following Kyrie Irving Injury
Warriors Listed as Potential Trade Destination For 76ers' Joel Embiid This Offseason
For more NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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