The ongoing feud between ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and NBA superstar LeBron James took another dramatic turn this week when Smith made a bold statement about their courtside confrontation. Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show, he declared,
“If that man would’ve put his hands on me, I would’ve immediately swung on him. Immediately.”
“If that man would’ve put his hands on me. I would’ve immediately swung on him. Immediately.”
— Stephen A. Smith
(h/t @gifdsports)pic.twitter.com/KbOZIrRkww
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 26, 2025
The comment quickly became the subject of widespread ridicule across social media, with LeBron, his son Bronny James, and fans joining in on the fun.
The tension between Smith and James stems from comments Smith made about Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son, during an episode of ESPN’s First Take. Smith questioned Bronny’s readiness for the NBA, suggesting that his presence in the league was largely due to his father’s influence. The remarks did not sit well with LeBron, who confronted Smith courtside during a Lakers game on March 6. According to Smith, the exchange was heated, with LeBron demanding that he stop criticizing his son.
While Smith defended his commentary as part of his job, he later escalated the situation by claiming he would have retaliated physically if LeBron had touched him.
LeBron James wasted no time responding to Smith’s latest remarks, taking to social media to mock the idea of Smith swinging at him. In a now-viral Instagram post, LeBron shared a clip of Smith attempting boxing training, captioned with laughing emojis and the words “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMPPPPPPPP.” The post quickly garnered millions of views, with fans chiming in to roast Smith’s boxing skills.
“I would’ve immediately swung on him”
pic.twitter.com/uQs6hZzP2h
— Bronny (@BronnyJamesJr) March 27, 2025
LEBRON CLOWNING STEPHEN A
pic.twitter.com/lCSHMqjBvX
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 27, 2025
Social media erupted with memes and jokes about Smith’s claim, with many pointing out the absurdity of him challenging a 6’9”, 250-pound professional athlete. One user tweeted, “Stephen A. Smith vs. LeBron James would last 0.5 seconds. Let’s not kid ourselves.” Another quipped, “Stephen A. swinging on LeBron is the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Someone make this a movie.”
Lebron after roasting Stephen A 5 times today: pic.twitter.com/5oher9pQ74
— The Pettiest Laker Fan
(@ThePettiestLA) March 27, 2025
Stephen A Smith seeing LeBron win the game on a buzzer beater pic.twitter.com/7SFK803wkq
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) March 27, 2025
6’9 250LB LeBron when 60 yeard old Stephen A Smith takes a swing on him https://t.co/VhFfBT58G6 pic.twitter.com/Sfbzvjy8nH
— Lemon Pepper Lou (@LVstackiN) March 26, 2025
LeBron today:
Went on ESPN and roasted Stephen A
Hooped on ESPN and hit game-winner
Logged on IG and roasted Stephen A— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 27, 2025
Stephen A swinging on LeBron
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 26, 2025
Lebron just when Stephen A thought it was safe to go to bed pic.twitter.com/hYe0Z5sejT
—
LakersGuru
How LeBron would’ve done Stephen A if that ever happened pic.twitter.com/5YiFhI940Z https://t.co/1RcLXrpjqk
— Russ’ TD
(@RussFcb) March 26, 2025
Next time Stephen A sees LeBron in person pic.twitter.com/3zWjHKm1dR
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) March 27, 2025
Even LeBron himself couldn’t resist poking some more fun during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now,” LeBron joked, referencing Smith’s repeated attempts to address the feud. “Relax, bro. Grab some ice cream and sit in your tighty-whities. It’s not that deep.”
“He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now…He couldn’t wait for the video to come out…”
– LeBron on Stephen A. Smith
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2025
While the feud has provided plenty of entertainment, it also highlights the challenges of navigating public criticism and personal boundaries. For LeBron, the situation is about protecting his family and ensuring that commentary about his son remains respectful. For Smith, it’s a reminder that his words carry weight—and that not everyone will take them lightly.
