Los Angeles – A shocking statement by Stephen A. Smith on The Pivot podcast is shaking the entire NBA, when the veteran ESPN writer declared that LeBron James “always reacts more aggressively to criticism from people of color than from white reporters.” The statement – which lasted only a few seconds – created an unprecedented storm of public opinion, deeply dividing the sports community, fans and the media.
During the broadcast, Smith did not hold back when saying:
“I love LeBron, but I have to be honest. When a white reporter criticizes him, he smiles and responds politely. But when a person of color – like me – says the same thing, LeBron’s reaction is completely different. He sees it as a betrayal.”
Immediately, the atmosphere in the studio became tense. The host tried to change the subject, but Stephen A. Smith continued:
“We need to talk about this. About loyalty, about legacy, and how people of color treat each other in this industry.”
The statement spread like wildfire. Within hours, the hashtag #StephenVsLeBron climbed to the top of the global social media trend. NBA players, journalists, and fans all spoke out – each with their own opinion, no one willing to give in.
Some said Smith was “brave enough to speak the truth” – that behind LeBron’s aura is a complicated relationship between power and image. But many others strongly disagreed, saying the famous commentator was deliberately stirring up racial issues to gain attention.
A former Lakers player shared with the press:
“LeBron has always respected everyone, regardless of who they are. Stephen is blowing things out of proportion to create drama.”
Meanwhile, an inside source revealed that LeBron was “very disappointed” when he heard the podcast again, saying it was a “personal attack” from someone who had repeatedly praised him on television.
The incident also sparked extensive discussions about how athletes of color respond to criticism from their own community – a sensitive topic that has always been avoided in the sports world.
The media called it “the biggest explosion in the NBA off the court this year”. A veteran writer for Sports Illustrated commented:
“No game, no matter how intense, can divide the basketball community as deeply as what Stephen A. Smith just did.”
With LeBron James remaining silent, and Stephen A. Smith asserting that he “does not regret his words”, public opinion only boiled over.
One side believes it is the truth that needs to be told.
The other side sees it as an unnecessary rift between the two biggest black icons in American sports.
From a normal podcast, the NBA is now facing an unprecedented debate – where reputation, faith and race intersect in a storm that has no end in sight.
