Stephen A. Smith has managed to reopen an old wound with NBA fans after revisiting comments he made about LeBron James’ son, Bronny.
The backlash resurfaced after Polymarket Hoops shared Smith’s recent admission that Draymond Green and several other NBA players stopped speaking to him following remarks he made last year. At the time, Smith claimed Bronny only reached the NBA because of who his father is, suggesting the younger James didn’t earn his place purely on merit.
That explanation didn’t earn him sympathy. If anything, it only made things worse.
@Gliss718 went straight at Smith, saying, “Stephen A is the deputy grand wizard of the coon-clux-clan. That’s why a lot of nba players don’t f**k with you.”
Stephen A is the deputy grand wizard of the coon-clux-clan. That’s why a lot of nba players don’t fuck with you..
— 🅿️oLo-G🏇🏾 (@Gliss718) January 18, 2026
@jowelbryan added, “Bad mouthing another man’s son for clout when your own aren’t anywhere is some dirty business SAS.”
Not everyone pushed back, though. @wheespersnap1 doubled down on Smith’s original stance, writing, “Bronny is absolute trash. He only got into the league because of who his father is. He’s an NBA player just like everyone else and is open to same criticism. Only Lebron fangirls are mad.”
For context, Bronny’s second season hasn’t exactly silenced critics. He’s still bouncing between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate in South Bay, averaging 1.5 points per game across 24 NBA appearances while trying to carve out a role.
“His greatness > His airness”: NBA fans praise LeBron James after historic night
While Smith caught heat, LeBron James was getting plenty of love the same week.
In the Lakers’ 110-93 win over the Toronto Raptors, James pushed past 51,000 career points, adding yet another line to an already untouchable résumé.
@jbondwagon didn’t hesitate, posting, “His greatness > His airness.”
@legalsifter_AI followed with, “Most people will never understand what 21 years of elite consistency actually requires.”
Of course, not everyone cared. @gjjjjjuji fired back with, “Nobody cares! Hope this is his last season in LA!!!!!!”
James finished with 24 points, though DeAndre Ayton was the engine of the win, putting up 25 points and 13 rebounds.
Between Smith’s comments, Bronny’s growing pains, and LeBron still stacking records, the same cycle keeps repeating: one comment, one performance, and the entire NBA internet lighting itself on fire again.
