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Stephen A. Smith Reveals He Would Have 'Swung' on LeBron James if Needed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 7:43 PM ET

Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst, has once again stirred the pot with his latest comments about NBA superstar LeBron James.

During a segment on the "Stephen A. Smith Show," Smith addressed their ongoing differences, revealing a hypothetical scenario where he claimed he would have "swung" on LeBron if the situation called for it. The bold statement has reignited discussions about their tense relationship.

"If that man would've put his hands on me, I would've immediately swung on him. Immediately," said Smith on the show.

The friction between Smith and LeBron dates back years, stemming from Smith's often critical commentary on LeBron's leadership style, on-court decisions, and even personal matters, such as his family. Most notably, Smith's comments about LeBron's son, Bronny James, drew backlash from the Lakers star earlier this year. LeBron confronted Smith court-side, accusing him of crossing a line by bringing Bronny into the debate, a moment that highlighted just how stained their dynamic has become.

Despite their differences, both men remain larger-than-life figures in the sports world. Smith, known for his fiery takes, has often compared LeBron to Michael Jordan in ways that fans argue diminish LeBron's legacy. Meanwhile, LeBron continues to rise as one of the NBA's most iconic players, often using criticism as fuel to prove doubters wrong.

While their tense relationship is far from resolved, moments like Smith's remarks add to the intrigue surrounding their public interactions. Fans can only watch as this dynamic continues to unfold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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