LeBron James recently opened up about his relationship with Michael Jordan, admitting on The Pat McAfee Show that they don’t really talk, suggesting it might be because he’s still actively playing and focused on his craft. Shortly after, old footage from April 2014 resurfaced and went viral — it showed LeBron making a powerful dunk while looking directly toward the sidelines, where Michael Jordan, then owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, was sitting. Fans speculated that it was a message to Jordan, especially given MJ’s unamused expression. Though LeBron dismissed the idea at the time, saying “Don’t start that,” the clip reignited the debate around their relationship. LeBron still deeply respects Jordan and even said that every interaction with him has been meaningful, since MJ was his idol growing up and the reason he wears No. 23. Still, he acknowledged that their ultra-competitive nature may have prevented a closer bond, but hopes that could change after he retires.

While that story made waves, LeBron is also caught in a heated feud with Stephen A. Smith. The tension began when Smith harshly criticized Bronny James, LeBron’s son and a Lakers rookie drafted 55th in 2024. After weeks of public comments, LeBron confronted Smith courtside on March 6, 2025, during a Lakers-Knicks game, telling him to stop talking about his son. The moment, caught on camera, went viral. LeBron later clarified on The Pat McAfee Show that he has no issue with analysts doing their job, but feels it’s his responsibility to protect his family and players when things get personal. He even joked that Smith was milking the situation for publicity, likening him to being on a “Taylor Swift tour” with how much he talked about it.

Smith, in response, claimed he hadn’t disrespected Bronny and accused LeBron of being a bully for confronting him in public. Smith also mentioned that he would’ve defended himself if things had gotten physical, even though he knew LeBron wouldn’t escalate it. Charles Barkley chimed in, criticizing both men — calling LeBron a bully and Smith weak. The fanbase remains divided. Some support LeBron standing up for his son, while others see it as overreaction. Bronny himself has faced ups and downs on the court, showing potential but also struggling at times, with Smith repeatedly claiming he’s only in the NBA because of his father.

The feud escalated further when Smith wrongly stated that LeBron didn’t attend Kobe Bryant’s memorial in 2020. While LeBron wasn’t seen publicly, multiple outlets later confirmed he was present and had requested privacy. LeBron had honored Kobe in other ways — with a public tribute before the Lakers’ first game after the tragedy and by embracing Kobe’s legacy during his time in LA. Smith later admitted his mistake on X (formerly Twitter), apologizing for bringing it up and acknowledging LeBron’s attendance.

Ultimately, this series of controversies highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding LeBron’s legacy, his role as a father, and the fine line between media commentary and personal attacks. Despite all the noise, LeBron continues to lead the Lakers and support his son while navigating the pressures of fame and expectations that come with being one of the greatest to ever play the game.