Draymond Green Sends Stern Reminder to Stephen A Smith Over $100M Duty Amid Admission on LeBron James

Stephen A Smith found himself face-to-face with LeBron James after making comments about Bronny James that didn’t sit well with the Lakers superstar. Even though this happened over a week ago, it’s still dominating NBA conversations. You know something’s big when it refuses to fade from the spotlight. Maybe because SAS has talked about it everywhere and refuses to let it die.

He kicked off First Take last to last Friday with a lengthy monologue, then doubled down on his podcast all weekend. But when he brought it up on Gil’s Arena, his tone changed completely. This time, he didn’t just address it—he brushed it off, took a sharper approach, and even called LeBron’s move weak.

A bunch of former players have jumped into the conversation, with Kevin Love and Draymond Green most notably among them. SAS had revealed on his show, “Matter of fact, I heard that not many, not all, but a few players were upset at me about that,” Smith revealed. “I think one player in particular was Draymond Green, who I haven’t spoken to since and has no desire to speak to me, primarily because of this, I suppose.”. Well, after former Defensive Player of the  Year’s response there isn’t any need to suppose.

Green, never one to hold back, reminded Smith of his responsibility as a top media personality, especially given his reported $100 million contract with ESPN.

The four-time NBA champion took issue with Smith going beyond basketball analysis and attacking LeBron as a father. “You call Bron weak for stepping to you, but you’re taking shots at him as a father on TV behind a camera. Most would say, that’s weak,” Green said on his podcast The Draymond Green Show With Baron Davis.

He then emphasized what he believes Smith’s actual job is. “No, you’re paid to analyze. You’re paid to debate on the show,” Green stated, making it clear that Smith’s role isn’t to attack a player’s personal life but to break down the game itself.

Green also found it hypocritical that Smith had one demeanor in person, but took a much harsher stance on television. “Because the demeanor in person was like that, but then on TV, you go, ‘Oh, that was b——-.’ It’s like, weak, like, come on, man,” he said.

Calling out Smith’s actions, Green stood firm on his stance. “That’s what we call weak where I’m from. The guys that I was raised by, the men that had an impact on my life, that’s what we call weak,” he added.

With Smith’s massive platform and influence, Green made it clear that he expects better, reinforcing that the job of a high-paid analyst is to discuss basketball—not to take personal shots at players and their families. But Green isn’t the only one calling out Smith lately.

Stephen A Smith faces heat from another sports podcaster

Ryan Clark backed Stephen A Smith, accusing LeBron of hypocrisy. Meanwhile, critics slammed Smith for how he handled it, arguing that he should’ve expected a response after making personal comments about a player’s family.

Nick Wright wasn’t having Smith’s reaction, either. The First Things First host admitted he respects Smith but called him out for switching up his stance. Wright reminded everyone that Smith has always claimed he welcomes players confronting him—until it actually happened.

via Imago

“The actual stars are the people we’re talking about… But it’s their movie. We in the media also have to have the humility to at times just take an ‘L.’ We can’t do what we do to these athletes and then act so wounded if somebody does it to us,” Wright explained.

Even within sports media, opinions remain split. Some believe Smith crossed the line, while others think LeBron overreacted. But one thing’s for sure—this debate isn’t cooling off anytime soon.