Overview
- Smith, speaking on his show Monday, said he no longer hates LeBron, called himself “thoroughly over” the dispute and expressed hope LeBron wins a championship for the 76ers.
- The quarrel began after Smith’s January 2025 criticism of Bronny James and escalated into a courtside confrontation in March 2025 when LeBron approached Smith at a Lakers–Knicks game.
- Smith framed his change of tone as a personal choice tied to his age and desire to stop carrying bitterness, but he made clear he will still offer candid game coverage rather than offer a public friendship.
- There is no public confirmation that LeBron has reciprocated or that the two have rebuilt a personal relationship, so coverage has shifted to LeBron’s performance with Philadelphia rather than a formal reconciliation.
- The shift redirects attention to the 76ers’ strong start and LeBron’s late-career legacy while renewing questions about media limits when criticism involves players’ family members and personal lives.