The public feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith has led to a surge in media coverage and social media activity, drawing mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
Since their public confrontation at the March 6 game between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, media coverage of both figures has skyrocketed. According to an analysis by Action Network, LeBron’s media mentions have surged by 67%, while Smith’s have jumped by 160%.
Smith’s ongoing dispute with James has not only dominated sports headlines but also resulted in a major increase in his social media following.
On social media, the debate has been even more intense. LeBron has been mentioned in nearly 1.9 million posts, with 29.7% carrying a negative sentiment, a slight increase from his usual numbers. Meanwhile, Smith has faced a higher share of negativity, with 32.8% of the nearly 300,000 posts about him being critical.
Despite the backlash, Smith has seen a substantial social media gain. Since March 6, he has added 25,031 new Instagram followers—more than double LeBron’s 12,551 during the same period.
The feud began when LeBron confronted Smith courtside during the Lakers-Knicks game, demanding that the analyst stop making comments about his son, Bronny James. Smith later detailed the exchange on Gil’s Arena, calling LeBron’s approach emotional and ‘weak.’
Smith explained that his critiques were never about Bronny personally but rather about LeBron’s handling of his son’s NBA career. He specifically took issue with LeBron’s previous comments about playing for any team that drafted Bronny, arguing that such statements placed unnecessary pressure on the young player.
The debate has divided opinions among fans and former players. Some support LeBron’s right to defend his family, while others believe Smith was justified in his criticisms. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and analysts like Charles Barkley have weighed in, further amplifying the conversation.
Bronny was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft but has seen limited playing time. He has averaged 2.3 points in 5.9 minutes per game for Los Angeles but has performed significantly better in the NBA G League, posting 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game for the South Bay Lakers.
Smith maintains that his comments were never meant to attack Bronny but to highlight concerns about the pressures of being an NBA star’s son. The situation underscores the complexities of navigating personal and professional boundaries in sports media.
While the feud has sparked heated discussions, it has also benefited both figures in terms of visibility. Whether the dispute continues or fades, Smith’s significant Instagram boost suggests that controversy, for better or worse, can be a powerful tool for engagement in today’s digital landscape.
