ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has been extremely vocal about his recent conflict with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. An in-person confrontation took place at a Lakers game earlier this season following Smith’s personal comments about James’ son Bronny on ESPN’s First Take.
Ever since the confrontation, Smith has appeared on a variety of platforms to speak about the conflict in detail. His most recent appearance was on Complex’s 360 With Speedy, where he insisted that he wasn’t scared of James because he always has protection around him.
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“Everywhere I go, ESPN knows. Local police, FBI, everything… I’m always guarded because I’m an investment,” Smith said.
Speedy Morman asks Stephen A Smith what really would have happened if he swung on Lebron James pic.twitter.com/49QmEMHDc6
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He continued by insisting that his stance doesn’t just apply to James, but to everyone else as well.
“It’s not about LeBron, it’s about anybody. If somebody walked up to you and hit you, are you gonna do nothing?” Smith said.
James has seemingly left the conflict in the past to focus on the postseason. Smith insists that he doesn’t enjoy speaking on the subject, but has continued to do so during nearly every public appearance since.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
