Stephen A. Smith Calls Donald Trump’s LeBron James Remark ‘Disgusting’ Despite Their Own Public Feud

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has criticized President Donald Trump over comments he made about LeBron James, calling the remarks “really, really disgusting” despite his own long-running public disagreements with the NBA superstar.

Speaking on his independent digital program, Smith argued that political leaders should avoid rhetoric he believes is unnecessarily divisive, saying criticism of such comments should not depend on personal feelings toward the people involved.

His response came days after Trump questioned whether James was racist during a White House appearance.

Trump’s Comments Spark Fresh Debate

The controversy began during a July 24 White House event when Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked President Trump to settle one of basketball’s most debated questions: Michael Jordan or LeBron James.

Trump chose Jordan, describing the six-time NBA champion as both a friend and golfing partner.

He then shifted the discussion away from basketball, suggesting that James “might be racist” or simply disliked him, before adding that he preferred people who liked him.

The comments quickly drew attention across sports and political circles, with supporters and critics debating both Trump’s response and the broader relationship between politics and professional sports.

Stephen A. Smith Pushes Back

Three days later, Smith addressed the remarks during his own online show.

Although Smith has frequently criticized James over the years, he said Trump’s comments crossed a line.

Calling the remarks “really, really disgusting,” Smith argued that the office of the president carries a responsibility to avoid language that deepens political and cultural divisions.

He also suggested the comments diverted attention from more substantive issues, while emphasizing that public figures including presidents—should be held accountable for what they say.

A History of Disagreement With LeBron

Smith’s defense of James surprised some viewers because the two have maintained a tense relationship for years.

The dispute intensified in 2025 after Smith repeatedly questioned the NBA opportunities given to LeBron’s son, Bronny James.

Following one Los Angeles Lakers game, James confronted Smith courtside in a widely discussed exchange that became one of the year’s biggest sports media stories.

Earlier this year, Smith also acknowledged during an interview that he and James simply “don’t like each other.”

Despite those personal differences, Smith has consistently ranked James among the greatest basketball players in NBA history.

His criticism of Trump, therefore, was not presented as an endorsement of James personally, but rather as an objection to the president’s comments.

LeBron’s Political Activism

James has been outspoken on political and social issues throughout much of his career.

He endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election, while frequently criticizing Trump during both of the president’s terms in office.

Their public disagreements date back to 2017 after Trump withdrew a planned White House invitation for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors following comments from Stephen Curry.

James responded at the time by saying visiting the White House had been an honor “until you showed up.”

Since then, the two have continued exchanging criticism through interviews and social media.

A New Chapter in LeBron’s Career

Trump’s comments also came shortly after James announced the next chapter of his NBA career.

The four-time NBA champion confirmed he would join the Philadelphia 76ers for what is expected to be his record-extending 24th NBA season.

The move officially ended his eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers and immediately became one of the league’s biggest offseason stories.

Trump and Smith’s Complicated Relationship

The exchange is notable because Trump has previously spoken positively about Smith.

During a NewsNation town hall in April 2025, Trump described the ESPN commentator as “smart” and “entertaining,” even suggesting he would like to see Smith run for president someday.

Smith has occasionally discussed the possibility of entering politics, although he has not announced any plans to seek public office.

His latest criticism demonstrates that, despite previous praise from Trump, he remains willing to publicly challenge the president when he disagrees with his remarks.

As debate over athletes, politics and public discourse continues, Smith’s response highlights how criticism can sometimes come from unexpected voices even those who have spent years publicly disagreeing with the person they are defending.

Featured Image: Shutterstock, instagram.com/kingjames