Overview

• Smith told Rolling Stone he doesn’t like James and believes James feels the same toward him
• He accused James of using their personal animosity to justify confronting him at a Lakers–Knicks game in March
• Despite their feud, Smith pledged to cover James objectively by praising strong performances and calling out weak ones
• Smith questioned James’s inconsistency on NBA “ring culture,” asking why championship wins mattered if they shouldn’t
• James defended his sideline challenge as a father’s duty to protect his household and the players under his care