Rob Carr/Getty Images

NBA Superstar Confronted Stephen A. Smith Friday Night

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 17, 2025 3:29 PM ET

Apparently, LeBron James isn't the only NBA superstar who pays attention to what ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith says on a daily basis.

During the 2024-25 regular season, James confronted Smith while he was sitting courtside at a Knicks-Lakers game. The four-time NBA champion had an issue with something Smith said about his son, Bronny James.

Fast forward to Friday night, and Smith was confronted by an All-Star player after the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Smith appeared on ESPN's "SportsCenter" after Game 6 between the Celtics and Knicks. He revealed that Brunson confronted him immediately after the game went final.

Brunson, who had 23 points on just 14 shot attempts, wanted Smith to know that he didn't appreciate his recent commentary.

"I have nothing to say to you," Brunson told Smith.

Before people wonder if Brunson has beef with Smith, he was just poking fun at the "First Take" analyst for picking the Celtics to win this series.

Despite getting called out by Brunson on Friday night, Smith has already made a prediction for the Knicks-Pacers conference finals matchup.

"I think it's got seven games written all over it," Smith said. "The Indiana Pacers aren't considered elite defensively, at least by some, but they're certainly big-time offensively. They can put points up in bunches, and they can get stops when they need to stop. They're a well-balanced team. You don't look at anybody on their squad and say superstar, but they are to be big-time respected."

Game 1 between the Knicks and Pacers is set for Wednesday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: