Stephen A. Smith on LeBron James' approach to critics: 'You ever see [him] go at a White boy?'

Stephen A. Smith suggests that LeBron James' approach to criticizing him may be colored by their racial differences, referencing an incident at a Lakers game in March where James confronted Smith. In a recent interview with Ryan Clark on "The Pivot Podcast," Smith said, 'You ever see LeBron go at a White boy? Let's call it what it is, you'll say you saw him come at me.'

Smith was likely addressing the incident and his past criticism of James' Lakers handling of his son Bronny. He denied any wrongdoing in criticizing Bronny, saying 'Anybody with professional ethics who knows sports and knows what comes with it will tell you I did not do anything wrong to that young man.' However, Smith acknowledged being criticized for speaking out against James, calling the criticism 'low, low'.

James pushed back on this notion in a separate interview, stating 'Never would I ever not allow people to talk about the sport, criticize players about what they do on the court. That is your job — to criticize or be in a position where, OK, a guy is not performing.' He clarified that while he values Smith's opinions, James believes there's a line between constructive criticism and taking personal shots.

The tension between Smith and James highlights the complexities of sports journalism and celebrity athlete personalities. As a cultural icon, LeBron James often finds himself at the center of controversy, with his responses to critics sparking heated debates about racism and privilege in the media.

While some may see James as a vocal advocate for social justice, others view him as a polarizing figure whose actions can alienate those who disagree with him. Smith's comments have only added fuel to this debate, raising questions about the responsibilities of sports journalists and their duty to report on athletes without letting personal biases cloud their judgment.

Ultimately, the relationship between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith serves as a microcosm for the fraught world of sports media, where personalities intersect with politics and social issues, creating complex power dynamics that can be difficult to navigate.

I think it's kinda weird that both these guys are getting played by their own biases here... Smith says LeBron is trying to silence him because of racial differences, but then he implies that only White guys get attacked? That sounds like some projection right there . And on the other hand, LeBron's all about free speech and criticism, but isn't he just using his platform to deflect from his own controversies? I don't know who's got it worse here...

And can we talk about how both guys are so invested in being seen as victims in this situation? It's like they're both trying to out-entitle each other. Smith says he was unfairly criticized for speaking his mind, but then he starts attacking LeBron for not listening to criticism (like that's a thing?). And LeBron just dismisses the whole thing and says people should be free to criticize him? It's like they're both trying to prove a point without actually saying anything concrete.

It's all so... sports-y . But at the end of the day, can we please just agree that we love or hate LeBron for who he is (on and off the court)? Can't we just have a respectful conversation without all the drama?

I just love how LeBron James is always speaking up about what's real in the sports world! He calls it like he sees it, no matter who's involved And when someone like Stephen A. Smith comes at him with some harsh words, Bronny gets caught in the middle But let's be honest, people are gonna say things and do things because they're passionate about their jobs We just gotta respect that and know our own biases might be getting in the way

idk why they gotta make it all about race but what i do know is lebron's been thru some tough stuff with his family & he's just trying to speak up for what's right. at the end of the day, smith's got a point too, as a journalist, you can't just let your personal feelings cloud your judgment . it's like, if you're gonna criticize someone, do it constructively, not just to get under their skin . and honestly, i feel bad for bronny being dragged into all this drama his dad's trying to protect him & smith is just doing his job... it's all just so extra

I'm not sure about this whole thing... I mean, I get why people are saying that LeBron's approach might be different because of their racial differences, but at the same time, I think it's unfair to say that Smith is somehow biased just because he's white. I've seen how intense those two can get on TV, and sometimes it feels like they're more interested in one-upping each other than actually having a thoughtful conversation about basketball.

I do think it's valid for James to push back against what he sees as personal attacks, but at the same time, I wish Smith could have been more nuanced in his criticism of Bronny. It felt like Smith was just trying to get under LeBron's skin, rather than actually having a legitimate gripe with how James handled things.

It's all so messy and complicated, you know? Sports journalism is supposed to be about holding people accountable, but when it becomes personal and subjective... ouch.

idk why lebron james is always so defensive about everything he's done or said on or off court... like smiths right to his opinion but maybe just pick a fight less often? his whole thing is already super polarizing, does it really need to get more heated?

and can we talk about how sports journalists are basically expected to be the "voice of reason" on certain issues when all they're doing is regurgitating whatever their favorite athlete is saying? like smith's not wrong that bronny got some harsh criticism but also lebron's right that it's part of the game, you can't take every comment personally

anyway... this whole thing just makes me wanna scream because i'm so tired of people being so extra about sports like, we're all human beings, we all have our own opinions and biases, can't we just get along?

think lebron's right on this one he's got every right to call out people who come at him personally and not just his game it's not like smith hasn't thrown some shots at bronny in the past so yeah, smith might have been low-key salty about that what's weird is how some ppl view james as a "polarizing figure" but they barely acknowledge their own biases sports media can be pretty toxic and people need to take responsibility for keeping it civil

I'm loving how these two are going back and forth . It's like they're trying to out-convince each other . But for real though, the sports media landscape is super complicated, especially when it comes to issues of racism and privilege . LeBron James has always been a polarizing figure, but I think he's also done some amazing work to bring attention to social justice issues . At the same time, you gotta respect Stephen A. Smith for speaking his mind and not backing down from a fight . It's like, what's the line between constructive criticism and just being salty ? Anyway, I'm intrigued to see how this drama unfolds .

idk man... think both lebron and stephen a are just trying to do what they feel is right in the moment... smith's comments about racial differences might seem valid but also kinda deflects from the bigger issue at hand - the role of sports media in today's society. meanwhile, james' response feels like he's being fair and giving room for constructive criticism... still, it's hard not to see some underlying tension between them... maybe we need a more nuanced conversation about what it means to be a 'sports journalist' these days?

omg u guys r always talkin bout how lebron james is so vocal about his opinions & it's like we get it!! he's passionate 4 what he believes in but sometimes his responses can b a lil too much like, i dont think its ever ok to take personal shots at ppl u disagree with no matter wut ur job is lol. smith has the right 2 criticize james but james also deserves some respect 4 speakin out on the issues thats important 2 him

I'm not surprised LeBron's got some defenders calling out Smith for trying to stir up drama... like, come on, Smith, you're a journalist, it's your job to ask tough questions . But at the same time, I get why James might feel disrespected by Smith's comments - it's one thing to criticize his coaching decisions, but another to take shots at his son? It just highlights how complex these power dynamics are in sports media... where do you draw the line between holding someone accountable and being a total hater?

Ugh I'm still shaken after watching those interviews I feel like they're both right and wrong at the same time lol. LeBron's all about being outspoken and pushing boundaries, but Stephen A.'s comments did come across as a bit harsh I mean, who hasn't had a bad day with Bronny? But at the same time, LeBron's got every right to expect a certain level of professionalism from sports journalists especially when it comes to his son. And can we talk about how the media loves to sensationalize everything about LeBron? Like, he's already under a microscope 24/7, does he really need all that extra attention?

I think both LeBron and Steve A are right in their own ways . As a parent, I've seen my kids get frustrated when they're criticized for something they don't understand or control. It's like, just because you're good at something doesn't mean you can't be held to certain standards . But at the same time, LeBron has every right to defend himself and his son against what he feels is unfair criticism .

It's interesting to me that Steve A is saying LeBron is taking personal shots when he calls out his son, but I think that's just a normal part of being in the public eye. If LeBron wants to protect his kid from scrutiny, that's his prerogative too . The thing that bothers me is that people are making it about racism and privilege in sports journalism, which feels like a whole separate conversation . Can't we just focus on being good journalists and not let our personal biases get in the way of doing our job?

LeBron's got a point about the line between constructive criticism and taking shots , but it's also about being respectful in his delivery . Smith's just trying to hold James accountable, even if it's not always pretty . Can we stop pitting journalists against athletes on these issues? It's all just part of the game, right?