Los Angeles Lakers veteran star LeBron James found a defender in analyst and critic Jason Whitlock, who called analyst Stephen A. Smith’s way of criticizing James “ghetto style.”
In one of the recent episodes of his program “Fearless,” Jason Whitlock talked about the recent confrontation between LeBron James and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. In his video, Whitlock called out Stephen A. Smith for his “ghetto style” of “insulting” LeBron James in one podcast he appeared on.
“What is going on here? This is a journalist. This is the highest-profile employee at ESPN. How is he doing this? Why is he doing this?” Whitlock said, referring to Smith.
“Why are all the Democrats seemingly presenting themselves in the most ghetto and unprofessional fashion imaginable? What is going on?”
Stephen A. Smith just went on Gil’s Arena and his entire appearance was laced with profanity as he insulted LeBron James. Why are all the Democrats presenting themselves in the most ghetto and unprofessional way possible? What is going on? pic.twitter.com/PBZXbTxoTz
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) March 12, 2025
The confrontation between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith courtside occurred after the Los Angeles Lakers’ overtime win against the New York Knicks. The tension had been building for months due to Smith’s comments about LeBron’s son, Bronny James.
Whitlock then brought up President Donald Trump as a point of comparison with the ESPN analyst. According to him, although Trump is also often criticized for the things he has been saying, his brand is more of a “masculine” one, compared to Smith’s “profane” approach.
“Donald Trump says a lot of things and a lot of things that aren’t politically correct, but Donald Trump’s brand, I don’t think, is profane,” Whitlock said. “It may be politically incorrect, it may be abrasive, it may be in your face, but it’s not profane. His brand is masculine.”
Analyst Thinks LeBron James Injury is Beneficial to Lakers
Lakers and LeBron James fans were faced with worry as the 40-year-old superstar is expected to miss a week or two of games, following his groin injury that he sustained during their recent 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. For Stephen A. Smith, this injury could even prove beneficial to the Lakers for their playoffs run.
“The thing about LeBron’s injury—I’m not concerned about it,” Smith said. “It affects his leadership not one bit because you know that brother in street clothes could lead this team because he has that kind of impact on the players inside that locker room and while he’s sitting on the bench with them. On the other side of it all, your legs gonna be a bit fresh once you get back, and that’s a week to two weeks off that LeBron James gets to get himself straight in terms of rest.”
https://youtu.be/Pval8KmSmTk?t=249
So far this season, LeBron James is averaging 25 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists.
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