Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Stephen A. Smith Says He And LeBron James ‘Don’t Like Each Other’ In Explosive Interview
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Stephen A. Smith Says He And LeBron James ‘Don’t Like Each Other’ In Explosive Interview

Stephen A. Smith Says He And LeBron James ‘Don’t Like Each Other’ In Explosive Interview

Stephen A. Smith says he and LeBron James have no relationship, and he’s fine if it stays that way.

Nico Martinez
Aug 16, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith isn’t pulling punches when it comes to his broken relationship with LeBron James.

During a brutally honest appearance on Gil’s Arena, the ESPN analyst revealed just how far things have deteriorated between him and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. From professional boundaries to personal betrayals, Smith made it clear that whatever bond once existed between the two is now long gone, and he’s perfectly fine with that.

“There’s no relationship,” said Smith on Gil’s Arena. “He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him. There’s nobody who can mediate. I don’t talk about him unless I’m asked. Some people say, ‘Well, why do you talk about him?’ Because I was asked. This is what I do for a living, so how the hell am I gonna get away with saying ‘no comment?’”

Still, Smith was willing to separate the player from the person. He praised LeBron’s impact on the game and his accomplishments as a basketball icon, calling him the second-greatest player ever, but made it clear that admiration stops at the baseline.

“I have no desire to talk about him. He is, in my mind, the second greatest player in the history of basketball,” Smith added. “He’s been an incredible ambassador to the game of basketball. His respect has been earned, not given… but that’s the basketball player, not the man.”

Behind the scenes, Smith says the situation is far more personal and far more toxic. Without giving specifics, he referenced alleged efforts to damage his reputation and made it clear he’d be perfectly fine never speaking to LeBron again.

“People don’t know the things that have happened behind the scenes, the kind of things that have been engaged in an effort to hurt me,” Stephen A. continued. “There’s a lot of sh*t that I know that I don’t say… If I never, ever speak to him in life, I’m good with it.”

If LeBron James (40) is the king of basketball, Stephen A. Smith is the king of NBA media, for better or worse. While some fans detest the ESPN star, he’s usually pretty good about maintaining a healthy relationship with the players.

LeBron James is different. While we don’t know what it is that started their beef, James and Stephen A. have been going back and forth for years now, and apparently, there’s still much we don’t know.

Their biggest clash to date was somewhat recently, after Smith had some choice words about LeBron’s nepotism regarding his son, Bronny James. Stephen A. called on LeBron “as a father,” practically begging him to stop putting needless pressure on his son.

LeBron responded by confronting Mr. Smith courtside at a Lakers game, in a heated exchange that went viral online. Things haven’t been the same since.

For all his media firepower, Stephen A. Smith rarely draws a personal line this thick. But when it comes to LeBron James, the line is bold, intentional, and deeply rooted in more than basketball.

Whatever happened behind closed doors may never fully come to light, but one thing is clear: this feud is real, and reconciliation is off the table. The player may still be respected — but the man, in Smith’s eyes, is someone he’s ready to leave in the past.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:ESPNLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers ArchiveStephen A. Smith
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Lakers Insider Gives Update On Rui Hachimura’s Future
Next Article Jeff Teague On Kevin Durant: ‘I Don’t Think He Has The Ability To Elevate A Team’
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Chris Paul looks on as Team CP3 plays a game against Nightrydas at Nike EYBL at the Memphis Sports & Events Center.
Los Angeles Clippers News & Analysis

Chris Paul Hilariously Calls Out Clippers Over Training Camp Decision: “That’s Some Bulls***”

October 5, 2025
San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) guards New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
New York Knicks News & Analysis

Jalen Brunson Picks Derrick Rose Over Stephen Curry And Luka Doncic

October 5, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder News & Analysis

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder, Accused Of Fouling Their Way To Victory In 2025 Playoffs

October 5, 2025
New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

NFL Star Watches LeBron James’ Highlights Before Every Game He Plays

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?