The feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith continues to make headlines. Three days after the viral video in which the NBA star is seen confronting the ESPN commentator, head coach Doug Gottlieb threw his two cents on the feud, and his opinion will not be to the liking of “King” James.
The feud between James and Smith has been dominating the headlines in recent days. According to the analyst himself, James approached him on the sidelines of this Friday’s game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks to talk to him about his son, Bronny James.
Although neither has revealed details about the conversation, the videos circulating on social media show that James is angry while talking to Smith. The four-time NBA champion’s attitude has provoked all kinds of reactions, but Gottlieb compared it to that of some parents in youth leagues.
Gottlieb’s two cents
In a commentary for Fox Sports Radio, the head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix of the Horizon League harshly criticized LeBron’s attitude towards SAS. “There is no world in which a dad, who single-handedly makes it so that his son is on an NBA team that he plays on can accost the biggest name in sports about the analysis of his son.”
Gottlieb admitted that Smith is paid to talk about sports, “but his opinion matters.” As for James, the former analyst and coach was blunt in saying, “Stephan A. felt the wrath of what it’s like to be an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) coach.”
The coach said he understands that LeBron finds it difficult to accept criticism of his son. However, he also noted, “If you want your son to be in the NBA, you have to be willing to be criticized.” He reminded James that his son is no longer a kid like those who play in the AAU, he is a man and a professional basketball player.
What did SAS say about Bronny James?
It is still unclear what sparked James’ anger against Smith, but netizens have pointed to two comments by the analyst as possible triggers for the feud. The first was last January when he “implored” the “King” to stop pushing Bronny and the second, when he said that James jr. is not yet ready for the NBA.
Regardless of the reasons for the confrontation, fans and media agree that James is wrong to try to silence criticism of his son. Smith may be one of the most incisive analysts, but most agree that his comments about Bronny are on point this time.
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