LeBron James Seemingly Addresses Kevin Gates’ Comment About Wife Savannah James (2025)

This wouldn't be the first time that LeBron—who shares kids Bronny James, 20, Bryce James, 17, and Zhuri James, 10, with Savannah—has proven to be fiercely protective of his family.

In fact, the basketball player went viral last month after having a heated exchange with Stephen A. Smith over claims that Bronny is only in the NBA because of his dad.

The ESPN commentator explained on First Take following the moment that he "thought long and hard" about whether to address the clip and had "no intention" of bringing it up until it went viral.

"Ultimately, it was unavoidable and that is why I have to discuss it now," he explained. "That wasn't a basketball player confronting me. That was a parent. That was a father, and I can't sit here and be angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in any way in that regard."

However, Stephen was disappointed that those feelings weren't brought to him privately.

"LeBron James knows how to get in contact with me, if he wanted to," Stephen said. "Because had he called and wanted to talk to me, I would've accepted that call. Had he wanted to see me, I would've flown out and I would've seen him and I would've had a conversation man-to-man, but that is not what he elected to do. Instead, he elected to confront me while I was sitting courtside."

LeBron shared his perspective on the incident, telling Pat McAfee on his eponymous show weeks later that Stephen "completely missed the whole point."

"Never would I ever not allow people who talk about the sport to criticize players about what they do on the court," he explained last month. "That is your job to criticize…That is all part of the game. When you take it and get personal with it, it's my job not only to protect my damn household but protect the players."

For more celebrity feuds, keep reading…