Stephen A. Smith Responds To LeBron James Instagram Post: ‘I Never Brought Up Why You Weren’t at Kobe Bryant’s Memorial Service’

The feud between NBA legend LeBron James and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has escalated into a full-blown media circus, complete with Instagram jabs, verbal haymakers, and enough drama to fill a prime-time special. Ever since LeBron confronted Smith over his relentless criticism of his son, Bronny James, the two have been trading blows with the force and determination of heavyweight contenders.

And let’s be honest, the public is loving every second of it.

LeBron’s Explosive ESPN Appearance

On Wednesday, LeBron James made an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show and wasted no time setting the record straight. If anyone thought LeBron was going to take the high road, think again. The Lakers star went scorched earth on Smith, hilariously comparing the ESPN commentator’s endless commentary to a “Taylor Swift run.”

“He’s like on a Taylor Swift run right now,” LeBron said, clearly amused. “He literally started off saying, ‘I didn’t want to address it, but since the video came out, I feel the need to address it.’ Like, motherf—er, are you kidding me? If there’s one person who couldn’t wait until the video dropped to address it, it’s your a—.”

LeBron didn’t stop there. He pointed out the obvious. Criticism comes with the territory when you’re a professional athlete. However, when that criticism turns personal, especially involving his family, all bets are off.

“I would never tell someone not to criticize players about what they do on the court. That’s the job. But when you take it off the court, when it gets personal, it’s my job to protect my damn household,” LeBron declared, sounding more like a WWE superstar than an NBA forward.

Stephen A. Smith Swings Back… In Theory

Not to be outdone, Stephen A. Smith responded in the only way he knows how, with a dramatic, self-aggrandizing monologue on his podcast. But this time, Smith cranked the absurdity up to eleven, boldly claiming that if LeBron had gotten physical during their confrontation, he would have “immediately swung on him.”

Yes, you read that right. Stephen A. Smith, the man best known for his signature exasperated rants and questionable boxing analogies, suggested he’d throw hands with one of the most physically dominant athletes on the planet.

“I’m not a punk,” Smith barked, practically daring LeBron to meet him in the ring. “If he put his hands on me, I would’ve swung. That’s a fact.”

The internet did what it does best, roasted Smith like a Thanksgiving turkey. Users wasted no time pointing out that Smith’s last actual fight might’ve been against a stubborn office chair.

LeBron’s Knockout Punch On Instagram

Just when it seemed like the feud couldn’t get any more ridiculous, LeBron delivered a knockout punch straight to Smith’s ego. After leading the Lakers to a thrilling victory over the Indiana Pacers, LeBron posted a video on Instagram mocking Smith’s boxing bravado.

The clip featured a masterful edit of Smith’s clumsy boxing moves from a past training video, overlaid with LeBron’s game-winning shot. The caption? Pure gold.

“Let me know when you’re ready for that sparring session, Stephen A.”

Naturally, the internet erupted. From memes to fan edits, it was an all-out celebration of LeBron’s masterclass in trolling.

Smith’s Low Blow With Kobe Bryant Memorial Comments

Just when it seemed like the feud might cool off, Stephen A. decided to bring a flamethrower to a campfire. On First Take, he took a pointed jab at LeBron, referencing the Lakers star’s absence from Kobe Bryant’s memorial service in 2020.

“I suggest that he be happy with the things that I haven’t brought up,” Smith said ominously. “I never brought up why he wasn’t at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service.”

That comment sent shockwaves through the sports world. Even Smith’s most loyal viewers were left questioning whether he’d taken things too far. Some argued it was a calculated move, designed to cut deeper than any of LeBron’s playful jabs.

LeBron has yet to respond to Smith’s latest provocation, but given how this feud has been unfolding, it’s safe to say we haven’t seen the last of these two throwing verbal haymakers.

A Circus Worth Watching

At its core, this feud is a perfect storm of sports drama. You’ve got the best player of his generation clashing with one of the loudest voices in sports media. Add a dash of petty Instagram shade and a sprinkle of bizarre boxing threats, and you’ve got a saga that rivals any soap opera.

And who knows? Maybe Jake Paul will find a way to cash in on all this by hosting a celebrity boxing match. Would you pay to see Stephen A. Smith step into the ring with LeBron?

If nothing else, this feud has proven one thing. LeBron James can dominate on the court and online. As for Stephen A.? Well, he might want to stick to his day job.