Stephen A. Smith’s nepotism allegations sparked the viral confrontation with LeBron James, fans say

Although he has only played in 18 games with 4.2 minutes per game, Bronny James is one of the most divisive figures in the NBA. Analysts do not stop criticizing the Los Angeles Lakers player, although that often gets them into trouble with his father, LeBron James, as it just happened to Stephen A. Smith.

Smith has been one of the most incisive critics of the young James and, incidentally, of his famous father. The veteran ESPN analyst constantly questions Bronny’s performances and does not take his eyes off him every time he returns from the G-League to play some minutes in the NBA.

Tired of the negative coverage, the King recently confronted the reporter, as shown in a video circulating on social media. Smith has already admitted that the argument was about Bronny, and internet sleuths did not rest until they found out what exactly sparked James Sr.’s anger at the reporter.

Did Smith accuse James of nepotism?

Following the video showing Smith and James arguing on the sidelines of the Lakers-Knicks game last Thursday, netizens dug up a video of a comment the reporter made about Bronny this past January. In the new clip, SAS can be seen speaking to the Lakers star as father to father.

“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,”Smith said. “How are you doing him any favors? We know that he is not ready yet. I’m saying this with compassion.”

What fans say

Netizens were quick to react to Smith’s video, with one aptly summarizing the multiple viewpoints by saying, “He [Smith] made it personal, and LeBron made it a point to tell him in person because he wanted everyone in the media to know not to cross that line.”

While neither James nor Smith have confirmed that this video was the direct cause of their recent spat, fans are convinced that it was. Meanwhile, the LeBron-led Lakers will face the Boston Celtics on Saturday, and Bronny will return to the South Bay Lakers of the G-League to continue his development.