Stephen A. Smith claims courtside clash with LeBron James was orchestrated
SLUG: stephen-a-smith-lebron-confrontation-setup
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said he believes a recent in-game exchange with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was not accidental but “a setup.”
During an appearance published Oct. 20, 2025, Smith alleged someone arranged for him to be confronted by James while he was working courtside. “I don’t like his ass,” Smith said, insisting the encounter was planned rather than spontaneous.
Smith did not name the person he suspects orchestrated the confrontation, nor did he detail what prompted the dispute. The broadcaster added that he has “no personal animosity” toward James beyond the incident but remains convinced the meeting was staged.
Source: New York Post
