Stephen A. Smith has reignited his ongoing feud with LeBron James, claiming that the NBA superstar treats Black journalists more aggressively than white ones. Smith’s comments highlight what he sees as a racial double standard in James’ interactions with the media, adding another layer to a rivalry that has been one of the most talked-about storylines in sports media throughout 2025.
The tension between Smith and James reached its peak in March 2025 after Smith criticized his son, Bronny James, suggesting that his path to the NBA was largely influenced by his father’s name.
The criticism didn’t sit well with the Lakers legend, leading to a heated courtside exchange during the Lakers vs. Knicks game on March 6, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena. James approached Smith and said, “Stop messing with my son. That’s my son.” The moment underscored the personal nature of their feud and marked a new low point in their already strained relationship.
Stephen A. Smith Criticizes LeBron James For Alleged Racial Bias
A fan page on X recently shared an accusation involving Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James. In the clip, Smith discusses his experience with what he describes as LeBron’s biased treatment of white journalists. The post’s caption read:
“Stephen A. Smith says LeBron James doesn’t keep the same energy he has with him with white journalists: ‘You ever see LeBron go at a white boy like he did with me? The only time he did was when he was making fun of Brian Windhorst, who supported him since high school.”
Stephen A Smith says LeBron James doesn’t keep the same energy he has with him with white journalist:
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) October 17, 2025
“You ever see LeBron go at a white boy like he did with me ?? Let’s call it like it is the only time he did was when he was making fun of Brian Windhorst who supported him… pic.twitter.com/E04jl4XDze
For context, Brian Windhorst is a veteran ESPN reporter who has covered James for decades. According to Smith, Windhorst is the only white journalist who has faced LeBron’s public ire, despite a long-standing positive relationship. Bringing attention to himself, Smith also expressed surprise that LeBron confronted him publicly at the game rather than addressing the issue privately earlier this year.
He noted that James was acting more as a protective father than as a basketball star. After the incident, Smith called LeBron’s approach “weak” in an interview, stressing that his critiques focused on Bronny’s basketball readiness rather than personal attacks.
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LeBron addressed the confrontation on the Pat McAfee Show, clarifying that while he welcomes criticism of players’ on-court performances, he draws the line at personal attacks. He explained that his duty to protect both his family and his team led him to confront Smith.
During the interview, the Lakers legend also mocked Smith, implying that he was enjoying the attention surrounding their feud. In response, Smith called LeBron a “liar” and insisted that if James had physically touched him during the encounter, he would have reacted strongly.
Stephen A. Smith Accuses LeBron James of Stat-Padding In GOAT Debate
As LeBron James prepares for his 23rd NBA season at age 41, Stephen A. Smith criticized the Lakers star for allegedly focusing on padding his statistics to strengthen his claim as the greatest basketball player ever.
Speaking on his podcast, Smith said, “He’s going to be 41, he’s in his 23rd year, stat-padding his way to make ignorant folks out there think that’s going to make him the GOAT over Jordan, not realizing that most of the stuff it took him 20+ years to do, Jordan did in 13.”
While acknowledging that opinions on the GOAT debate vary, Smith made it clear that, for him, the matter was already settled in favor of Michael Jordan.
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Smith views James’ recent years as more about accumulating stats than demonstrating greatness or newfound impact. His comments have arrived amid ongoing public debates about the Lakers’ legend’s legacy and comparisons with Jordan, discussions fueled by his durability and continued elite performance late in his career.
