Earlier this month, LeBron James shocked the world when he publicly confronted Stephen A. Smith regarding his constant coverage and criticism of Bronny. Although the ESPN veteran did not say it to his face, he called LeBron’s move “weak” during his appearance on The Gil’s Arena pod: “I thought it was weak, I thought it was some bulls—. But, in the moment, I knew that I was listening to a father.” Obviously, everyone was eager to hear LBJ’s response. But he remained silent—until now!
In an ultimate revenge move, the Lakers star is set to make an appearance on ESPN’s show. Not First Take of course—The Pat McAfee Show! The former NFL star made the blockbuster announcement in his latest tweet:
“Be a friend, tell a friend… The LeBronversation with the progrum happened. It was AWESOME… about an Hour and 15 minutes. Chatted about damn near everything. ~> Tomorrow, 12:05 Eastern.”
It is expected that McAfee and LBJ will dive into the Stephen A. controversy, among other topics. Of course, the ESPN analyst has been pretty vocal about the incident since it happened. After LeBron hinted during a leaked conversation with former teammate turned analyst Richard Jefferson that he confronted Smith because he questioned him as a father, the First Take host said, “Had he said that to me, I wouldn’t have been thrown off. I would’ve came right back at him — ‘Yes I was, I was talking about you, you did this s—.”
Be a friend, tell a friend..
The LeBronversation with the progrum happened.
It was AWESOME… about an Hour and 15 minutes. Chatted about damn near everything.
~> Tomorrow, 12:05 Eastern pic.twitter.com/txAWdCnF5h
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 25, 2025
Instead of responding with words, LeBron seems to have done it with his actions by going on Pat McAfee’s show, who is speculated to have a shaky relationship with Smith. Since Pat’s show moved to ESPN two years ago, he has become one of the faces of the network. But he is not your typical sports analyst. Fans love him for his charisma and unfiltered takes. So, that’s how he runs his show, unbothered by the traditional TV rules.
On the contrary, Stephen A. Smith prefers keeping things professional when he is on air (well … it’s all about perspective, no?). Due to this stark difference, many believe there is an ongoing beef between the two media giants. So, the hoop community is convinced that the interview with McAfee is part of James’ perfect revenge plot.
Ecstatic NBA World calls LeBron James a “Sicko” after his “F— You” move to Stephen A. Smith
Soon after McAfee’s announcement, the internet was buzzing about LeBron’s genius move. Comments like “The biggest f— you to @stephenasmith I love it! Can’t wait to see this @PatMcAfeeShow.”
And “LeBron pressing Stephen A Smith on National Television and then giving an interview to one of his biggest competitors on the same network is the most hilarious s— ever. This guy is a sicko,” began flooding in.
The biggest fuck you to @stephenasmith I love it! Cant wait to see this @PatMcAfeeShow https://t.co/uZ7r8QLkrD
— Zay (@Zayhndrxx) March 25, 2025
Knowing how calculated LeBron James’s every move is, the idea of appearing on ESPN but choosing McAfee’s show instead of directly confronting Smith on First Take sure seems part of his revenge plot. Meanwhile, it also puts the former NFL star’s allegiance in question. One netizen wrote, “Oh yeah you’re never gonna be on First Take again.”
Oh yeah you’re never gonna be on First Take again
— Los (@RicanLos) March 25, 2025
Earlier this month, a report by the New York Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel revealed that there was a heated dispute between McAfee and Smith over creative differences about a new project. Pat reportedly called the ESPN veteran a “motherf—–” in the process. Moreover, there were even speculations that Smith banned McAfee from First Take following the heated argument.
However, both ESPN employees shut down those rumors, as McAfee said, “I have nothing but love for Stephen A. I think I’m still welcome on First Take. I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well.”
And Smith added, “Pat McAfee and I have no issue and the notion that he’d be banned from First Take is B.S.” But calling LeBron on his show fuels the rumors of McAfee and Smith’s shaky relationship yet again.
Amid the buzz, one thing is certain—LeBron’s interview is going to be must see TV. Sure enough, the hoop community is hyped about it as one wrote, “Can’t wait to watch going to be electric,” while another said, “Can’t wait to hear this.”
Hopefully, the world will get some clarity on the controversy and finally get to hear LeBron’s side of the story. Thoughts?
The post America Is Convinced of LeBron James’ Stephen A. Smith Revenge Plot as Heated ESPN Relationship Resurfaces appeared first on EssentiallySports.