Bron was explaining to his former teammate why he went after the ESPN personality.

Audio of LBJ talking to Richard Jefferson about spat with SAS - Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball

The conversation between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith has been one of the biggest stories in sports recently, as details about what actually led to this have come out since. While most already sensed it had something to do with SAS’s comments about LBJ’s son Bronny, the recent discussion with Richard Jefferson confirmed it.

While Stephen A. confirmed on ESPN and his podcast that Bron had problems with him commenting on his son, this was the first time we saw James reflect on him challenging Smith face to face. Talking to his former teammate and nowadays ESPN commentator/talking head, Bron was evidently telling RJ about what bothered him so much he had to check SAS so angrily and publicly.

“I know. Right, right, right. That’s the only thing I’m tripping. I don’t give a fu*k. Once he talks about…I’m pleading to you as a father. I can’t,” LeBron passionately explained to Richard.

Fatherly love

While Stephen A. has been just one of the many media personalities pointing out on multiple events that Bronny has no place in the NBA and is being forced into this role because of his dad, it seems SAS struck a cord with one particular comment. Back in January, Smith called out LeBron for putting his son in a bad position and putting the pressure of the world on his shoulders, which didn’t sit well with the four-time champion.

James, who usually knows how to keep his cool and never respond to outside noise, especially from the media, showed rare emotion and frustration. Coming face to face in the middle of a Los Angeles Lakers game to confront the biggest talking head in basketball was definitely off-brand for Bron, but the community mostly approved it.

With both LeBron and Stephen A. being polarizing personalities in the world of NBA basketball, it’s no wonder this moment garnered so much attention. While James has been silent on the topic, Smith has used it to gain even more momentum and bring attention to “First Take” and “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”

After all, this is what SAS does best, which is why he allegedly recently signed a new 100 million contract with ESPN. While it might be in bad taste to talk about someone’s family, Bronny’s NBA venture might be fair game, even though “King James” might not want to hear it.

One thing is for sure: it’s hard to imagine Stephen A. toning it down and keeping his mouth shut on particular topics if he has a strong opinion on them.