Stephen A. Smith is a character in every sense of the word when he appears on his ESPN program. There is simply no way for him to hold back what is on his mind. He routinely unleashes his opinions about anything and anyone.
For many players, he has become a kind of “rival,” as they often view him as someone who directs considerable criticism their way while they are competing. Winning him over is an extremely complicated task.
Recently, he experienced yet another episode in which, by saying everything he thinks, he once again became a trending topic. In a conversation with Graham Bensinger on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, he addressed several issues without restraint, as is his custom. He also spoke about the relationship he has with LeBron James, with whom he has recently had significant friction.
That was not all, however, as he also tackled other subjects related to his presidential aspirations for 2028. Everything he said during the discussion proved compelling.
Stephen A. Smith speaks about the friction with LeBron James
For the ESPN commentator, nothing should remain hidden, and that is why, when it is his turn to speak, he does not hold back, nor does he weigh whether the subject of his remarks is a superstar.
This is the case with LeBron James, who has spent 23 years in the NBA and, at 41 years old, does not appear, at least officially, to be nearing retirement anytime soon.
My daughters love LeBron. And I had to look at them and say, ‘Yeah, he is phenomenal.’ They ain’t lying. He’s one of the greatest ever. And so, again, you can have differences with people, but if you’re a grownup, if you’re a man, you’re able to compartmentalize and say, ‘we might have a disagreement.
We might have a beef.”…” It doesn’t mean you should look at him in a negative kind of way. I might have affected him in ways that other people haven’t, and that might have provoked him to do whatever, I don’t know. But at the end of the day, I just know that I’m 58 years old and I’m not interested in walking around bitter and with a grudge and with all of this other nonsense.
Smith expressed his feelings regarding his relationship with James.
Their most recent major controversy occurred on March 6, 2025, when the Lakers faced the New York Knicks and secured an overtime victory.
There are people who helped (following the confrontation with James).”…”Charles Barkley got on me. Kenny Smith is like a brother to me, got on me. Shaq, and then guys internally, Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears. I love those brothers. They’re my brothers. And they weren’t the only ones.
The commentator stated.
Is Stephen A. Smith seeking the presidency in 2028?
Smith’s interests extend beyond sports. Politics also ranks among his passions. In September 2025, he launched a radio program on SiriusXM focused on political issues and current events.
As a nationally recognized figure, he has also been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
Do I desire the campaign and be on the campaign circuit and running for office? No, I do not.”…”Do I desire to be on a debate stage to call out these politicians for what they have done to compromise this country? Yes, I do.
That’s where it gets serious for me, because you can enter the debate and then leave after the debate and decide you’re not running.
Stephen stated and added.
I want you to look at us in the face and justify the divide that you’ve caused, the friction that you’ve caused.
Controversy will always accompany the sports television talent. He enjoys being at the center of attention and relishes it immensely.
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