Stephen A. Smith Ends Beef With LeBron James, Hopes He Wins A Title With The 76ers

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has called off his year-long feud with Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James, expressing hope that he secures a championship ring with the team. During a recent episode of *The Stephen A. Smith Show*, Smith confirmed he no longer harbors animosity towards LeBron, stating that he’s over the past disagreements.

"I’m 59 years old. Life is short. Ain't got time for all of that, okay?" Smith emphasized his support for LeBron, wishing him the best and looking forward to covering his career’s final chapters in the next two years.

The beef initially escalated on March 6, 2025, when LeBron confronted Stephen A. Smith during a timeout in a Lakers-Knicks game at Crypto.com Arena. The heated moment was sparked by Smith's controversial comments about LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who was struggling early in his NBA rookie season. Smith's outspoken criticism of Bronny’s performance and the undue attention his father’s association brought led to a viral backlash. Following the game, Smith defended his stance, urging LeBron to reconsider his son's position.

Despite the initial hostility, Smith’s recent comments suggest a thaw in relations. He dismissed claims suggesting the Lakers would perform better without LeBron, asserting that no team in the NBA would be shortchanged by his absence. The 76ers, led by LeBron, Maxey, Brown, and Embiid, currently sit at a 9-2 start, making them serious contenders for the championship. Smith sees them as among the favorites, adding that their current form is alarming for the rest of the league.