It’s been about half a year since LeBron James‘ viral on-court confrontation with Stephen A. Smith. The moment from March was caught on camera, and headlines speculating about the details of this conversation were rampant. The ESPN veteran has blamed media houses for not showcasing his face and side of the story. In a recent podcast, however, he spoke further about what transpired that night and why he refuses to let it fade into the background.

On Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Stephen A. Smith made things clear. “If I didn’t respond the way that I responded, how would y’all have said about him rolling up on me in public like that, trying to punk?” he said. The analyst’s tone was deliberate, and we knew that he wasn’t bantering anymore; this wasn’t friendly, but a challenge, and especially one that, according to Smith, no one else seemed to acknowledge.

Smith focused on how the viral clip showcased only the angle where his back was turned, suggesting that James appeared to be in control in the eyes of the public.

“Even though people talk about, ‘I don’t let it go.’ No, I don’t talk about it unless I’m asked. But the reality is I’m not hiding from the competition. You think ESPN wants this? You think ESPN likes this? They love LeBron James. He’s great for ratings. You think Sirius XM want me doing that? I don’t care. You’re not getting away with that with me,” he continued.

“He caught me by surprise before. I assure you that will never happen again.. You can go on with your life. I’mma go on with mine. But I can assure you, I am ready for whatever confrontation is going to come my way when it comes to him because that was low,” Smith clarified.

LeBron James had reportedly confronted the ESPN analyst for his constant criticism surrounding Bronny during a Knicks-Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena. While Stephen A. Smith has been known for his critical views, he, however, had a problem with the way everybody painted the picture. He clarified on the Pat McAfee Show that he never intended to attack anybody’s family, so there was nothing for the LA ace to protect if that’s the logic applied.

The backstory of this incident grew thicker when Smith pointed to a prior feud with ex-NBA player Kwame Brown. “I remember when I clapped at Kwame Brown… Everybody called me like, ‘Nah, Stephen A, that’s wrong…’ Cool, I would like to remind y’all I had been being attacked for three months. I said nothing. Absolutely positively nothing. Where were y’all then?”

“I would say the same thing about LeBron when he rolled up on me. Where were y’all?” Smith demanded. “Where were y’all when he sat up there and stormed off like he was the big bad wolf?” To Smith, this doesn’t end with LeBron. The veteran commentator made the point that if he hadn’t stood up for himself, fans and other NBA personalities would’ve had a different viewpoint on the confrontation.

In another section of the show, Smith pointed out how the situation felt “set up.” The ESPN analyst publicly confirmed that he “don’t like his (LeBron) a–. Not a little bit,” suggesting a certain double-standard with respect to King James dealing with matters publicly and privately quite differently. For the first time, he’s not just reacting, but drawing a line in the sand with the issue. On the other hand, however, the Lakers veteran hasn’t had a quiet last couple of days either.

LeBron James’ Legal Distraction Ends in an Unlikely Twist

While Stephen A. Smith fired verbal shots, LeBron James was also involved in a different headline. Lakers fan Andrew Garcia, who had filed a small-claims case accusing the star of “fraud, deception, misrepresentation” just a few days ago, recently dismissed his case. The claim suggested that after viewing the announcement for Bron’s “Second Decision,” Garcia bought game tickets worth $865.66, assuming that he intended to announce his retirement.

Unfortunately for him, it turned out to be an ad for the NBA star’s latest collaboration with Hennessy. Interestingly, however, the bizarre case seemed to end on a positive note. After the case became public, a representative from the fantasy app PrizePicks reached out to him and worked out a deal.

The company deposited promo funds worth the same amount as the tickets he bought for the 2026 Cavs game. They would also be giving him tickets to a game of his choice, with some merchandise too.

Following this, Garcia decided to dismiss his case because he felt he was being fully compensated for his loss. LeBron James and his camp have not commented on the legal matter so far, and now, it doesn’t seem like he’ll need to anymore.