Overview

• In a Rolling Stone interview, Smith said “I don’t like him, and he don’t like me,” acknowledging deep personal animosity between the two.
• Smith accused James of exploiting their mutual dislike to provoke a courtside confrontation after Smith urged him to protect his son from media scrutiny.
• Despite admitting personal animosity, Smith assured he will maintain objective coverage of James’s performances, praising achievements and criticizing lapses.
• On First Take, Smith rebuked James’s critique of ring culture by pointing out that James’s championship pursuits, including his move from Cleveland to Miami, contradicted his dismissal of titles’ importance.
• LeBron defended his courtside reaction as a father’s duty to protect his household and his son’s reputation after Smith’s comments crossed a personal line.