LeBron James, the superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, made a notable appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on March 26, 2025, where he candidly discussed his ongoing tensions with ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst. The hour-long interview provided a platform for James to air his grievances, particularly regarding Smith's recent comments about his son, Bronny James, and Windhorst's coverage of his career.
During the interview, James did not hold back when addressing Smith, who had previously suggested that James should stop the back-and-forth regarding Bronny's movement between the G League and NBA. Reflecting on Smith's media approach, James said, "He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now. It started off with, ‘I didn’t want to address it. I wasn’t going to address it, but since the video came out, I feel the need to address it.’ [Expletive] are you kidding me? If there was one player that couldn’t wait for the video to drop so you could address it, it’s your [expletive]." His remarks highlighted his frustration with what he perceives as Smith's personal attacks rather than objective commentary.
Smith, who claimed that his comments were aimed at LeBron and not Bronny, has faced backlash for his remarks. James emphasized the importance of protecting his family and the players under his wing, stating, "Never would I ever not allow people to talk about the sport, criticize players about what they do on the court. That is your job to criticize or be in a position where if a guy’s not performing, that’s all part of the game. But when you take it and you get personal with it, it’s my job to not only protect my damn household but protect the players." This indicates a clear boundary for James between professional critique and personal attacks.
However, James did not stop with Smith. He also directed his ire at Windhorst, a longtime friend and reporter who has covered him since his high school days at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio. James referred to Windhorst as "weird," saying, "This guy who says he’s like my [expletive] best friend, these guys are just weird." This comment raised eyebrows, as Windhorst has been a significant figure in James' career, accompanying him through his rise in the NBA. The jab seemed to indicate a deeper rift between the two than previously known.
Windhorst's recent comments about James wearing No. 23 because of Michael Jordan were also a point of contention. James admitted that while it is true he chose the number due to Jordan's influence, he took issue with Windhorst's assertion that he signed with Nike for the same reason. "No the [expletive] I didn’t. I signed with Nike because I got a hell of a signing bonus, and they gave me a seven-year, $90 million contract. And I moved my mom out of the hood the day after I signed that contract," James clarified. This statement underscores his desire to control the narrative surrounding his career and decisions, particularly in relation to his financial choices.
As the Lakers prepare for their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers, James is looking to turn around the team’s fortunes after returning from a groin injury. The Lakers currently hold a 43-28 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference standings. However, they have struggled since his return, losing two consecutive games against the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic. With the playoffs looming, every game becomes crucial for the Lakers.
James’ remarks during the interview reflect a broader trend of athletes increasingly speaking out against media narratives that they feel misrepresent them. The relationship between players and media figures has often been fraught, with athletes like James taking a stand to assert their perspectives and protect their reputations. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the case of James, who has been in the public eye since his teenage years and understands the power of media narratives.
Moreover, the exchange emphasizes the complexity of James' relationship with Windhorst, who, despite being labeled as a friend, seems to have crossed an invisible line for the Lakers star. Windhorst has previously acknowledged that he and James have not maintained a close personal relationship, stating, "LeBron doesn’t have personal relationships like that with reporters. He hasn’t for a long time." This admission may explain the tension that has surfaced in recent comments.
As the Lakers gear up for their next match, the focus will not only be on the court but also on how James navigates the media landscape that surrounds him. His candid remarks about Smith and Windhorst may resonate with fans who appreciate his authenticity and willingness to speak his mind. The implications of these comments extend beyond personal grievances; they reflect a larger conversation about the relationship between athletes and the media, the expectations of public figures, and the impact of social commentary on professional sports.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" has shed light on the ongoing tensions between him and prominent media figures, particularly Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst. His candid critiques highlight the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while navigating personal relationships in the media. As the Lakers continue their push for the playoffs, all eyes will be on how these dynamics unfold both on and off the court.
