When NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade spilled the tea on the LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith confrontation, things got real on their “7PM In Brooklyn” podcast. D-Wade didn’t hesitate to back his longtime friend LeBron, but kept it balanced by acknowledging Stephen A. was just doing his job as a sports commentator.
“As a father, I’m walking up on you—I get it,” Wade explained, revealing his protective side. “I’m like that too. I’m at you.”
The conversation showcased the unique perspective these former stars bring to the table—understanding both the media’s role and a player’s need to protect their family. D-Wade also revealed he had a heart-to-heart with Stephen A. Smith after the confrontation with LeBron.
“That’s a sign of respect that LeBron did that to you,” Wade told Smith, keeping it real. “Your microphone is the loudest, your platform is the biggest, and you’re a Black man. So you understand where he’s coming from.”
Wade played both sides of the court, backing Smith while not throwing his buddy LeBron under the bus:
“From a dad perspective, I’m at you, but from the perspective of you doing your job, you’re not wrong for doing your job,” Wade explained, before dropping a truth bomb: “LeBron is my guy but he did put some extra heat on Bronny.”
Meanwhile, Melo came with a completely different take – claiming this beef has been simmering for years:
“This has been a build-up; we’re talking 22 years,” Anthony said. “This ain’t got nothing to do with Bronny.”
According to Melo, LeBron’s been quietly taking Stephen A.’s criticism for over two decades without clapping back – until now. After playing it cool at first, Stephen A. Smith is now throwing serious shade at LeBron’s courtside confrontation.
On “Gil’s Arena” podcast, Stephen A. didn’t hold back, serving up a piping hot take that’s got everyone talking:
“I thought it was weak. I thought it was some bullshit—but in the moment, I knew that I was listening to a father.”
Talk about a plot twist! Stephen A. initially seemed to respect LeBron’s Papa Bear moment during that Lakers-Knicks showdown, but now he’s switched up his stance completely. The sports media personality is clearly done playing nice, flipping the script from understanding dad mode to straight-up calling out King James on national platforms.
This NBA drama is heating up faster than courtside seats at a playoff game!