Stephen A's Take: Stephen A refutes the B.S. LeBron was hyping about him on the Pat McAfee Show.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary Release Date: March 27, 2025

---

Introduction

In the March 27, 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a heated and candid discussion with renowned sports broadcaster Molly Qerim. The episode primarily centers around recent controversies involving NBA superstar LeBron James, particularly focusing on comments LeBron made on Pat McAfee's show. Stephen A. Smith passionately refutes what he perceives as LeBron's attempts to manipulate public perception and deflect criticism.

---

Main Discussion Points

1. LeBron James' Public Persona and Actions

   • Stephen A.'s Critique: Stephen A. opens the conversation by criticizing LeBron James for his perceived arrogance and tendency to place himself above others, especially within the media landscape. He states, “LeBron is one of those dudes who believes he's up here. And folks, particularly in the media are down here” (03:03).

   • Manipulation and Confrontation: The discussion delves into LeBron’s strategic moves to manage his image, including confrontations that Stephen A. deems unnecessary and provocative. Stephen A. emphasizes his own willingness to confront LeBron directly, saying, “I offered to come on his spot... I was never taken up on that offer” (02:28).

2. LeBron’s Comments on Pat McAfee's Show

   • Refutation of Claims: The crux of the episode revolves around LeBron's remarks on Pat McAfee's show, where he allegedly hyped up his own credentials and criticized Stephen A.’s approach. Stephen A. counters these claims by asserting that LeBron has been dishonest and manipulative. He remarks, “LeBron James has been lying, using his son as an excuse” (12:24).

   • Impact on Professional Relationships: Stephen A. expresses disappointment over how LeBron’s actions have strained their professional relationship. “If he wanted, I’d... show up by myself,” Stephen A. states, highlighting the lack of direct communication from LeBron (02:28).

3. Molly Qerim’s Perspective

   • Support for Professionalism: Molly Qerim underscores her commitment to objectivity and professionalism despite personal grievances. She states, “I'm going to be very objective about it. You deserve praise. I'm going to give it to you. You deserve criticism. But at least I'm going to tell the truth” (12:22).

   • Personal Integrity: Qerim highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in her role, ensuring that personal relationships do not cloud her professional judgments. “I think Savannah is the first lady of the NBA... Gloria James... have never been anything but the most pleasant person” (11:03).

4. Public Perception and Media Influence

   • Stephen A.’s Concerns: Stephen A. voices his frustration with how the media and public have rallied behind LeBron as a victim without critically examining the validity of his actions. “Nepotism exists in every form of business... but when have you seen someone demand that the public stands down while somebody has lifted up their offspring before it was earned?” (03:31).

   • Molly Qerim’s Challenges: Qerim discusses the pressures of addressing trending topics that personally affect her, emphasizing the necessity to respond to LeBron’s statements despite initial reluctance. “[...] at first take, I don't feel like talking about this. And then minutes later, they said, it's the number one trending topic in sports” (09:51).

5. The Role of Interviews and Public Platforms

   • Stephen A.’s Stance on Direct Confrontation: Stephen A. articulates his preference for addressing issues head-on rather than via third-party platforms, criticizing LeBron for choosing interviews that isolate Stephen A. from responding directly. “He came at me when I wasn't in a position to respond. And then when he wanted to respond and elaborate, he went to Pat McAfee” (12:48).

   • Support for Pat McAfee: Despite the criticism, Stephen A. extends commendations to Pat McAfee for handling the situation professionally. “Major props to Pat McAfee again for getting it. Anybody would have gotten it” (12:48).

---

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. Smith on LeBron’s Attitude:

  “LeBron is one of those dudes who believes he's up here. And folks, particularly in the media are down here.” (03:03)

• Stephen A. on Direct Confrontation:

  “I offered to come on his spot. Name the time and place and I'll show up by my damn self.” (02:28)

• Molly Qerim on Professionalism:

  “I'm going to be very objective about it. You deserve praise. I'm going to give it to you. You deserve criticism. But at least I'm going to tell the truth.” (12:22)

• Stephen A. on Media Influence:

  “Nepotism exists in every form of business we can muster in our minds. It's okay. It's okay. But when have you seen someone demand that the public stands down while somebody has lifted up their offspring before it was earned?” (03:31)

• Stephen A. on Pat McAfee:

  “Major props to Pat McAfee again for getting it. Anybody would have gotten it.” (12:48)

---

Insights and Analysis

The episode sheds light on the intricate dynamics between high-profile athletes and media personalities. Stephen A. Smith portrays himself as a staunch advocate for transparency and direct communication, challenging LeBron James' approach to managing his public image. The conversation highlights the tension between personal integrity and media-driven narratives, emphasizing the impact of influential figures on public perception.

Molly Qerim adds depth to the discussion by balancing personal experiences with professional responsibilities, illustrating the challenges faced by media professionals when navigating conflicts with prominent sports figures. Her emphasis on objectivity underscores the importance of maintaining credibility in the face of personal disagreements.

The dialogue also touches upon broader themes of nepotism, media manipulation, and the ethical responsibilities of public figures. Stephen A.'s critique of LeBron's use of his son as a shield against criticism raises questions about accountability and favoritism in the sports industry.

---

Conclusions

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, listeners are presented with a raw and unfiltered confrontation between Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim regarding LeBron James' recent actions and statements. Stephen A. firmly stands his ground against what he perceives as LeBron's evasive and manipulative tactics, advocating for honesty and directness. Molly Qerim supports this stance by emphasizing her commitment to professionalism and truthfulness, despite personal frustrations.

The episode serves as a compelling exploration of the complexities surrounding celebrity influence, media responsibility, and the pursuit of integrity in the sports world. It invites listeners to reflect on the ways in which public figures navigate their personal and professional lives under the relentless scrutiny of the media and the public.

---

Notable Segments to Skip

• Advertisements:
  • AT&T Guarantee Advertisement (00:00 - 00:35)
  • Jason Alexander Podcast Promo (00:35 - 01:01)
  • Nissan Murano Advertisement (13:43 - 14:11)
  • Reshawn McDonald’s Money Making Conversations Masterclass (14:11 - End)

---

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the March 27, 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show. For a more immersive experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode through iHeartPodcasts.

Transcript

[AT&T Advertiser]

At&t has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed. Like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed in a world where nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn more at att.comguarantee@&t Connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguarantee for details.

[Jason Alexander]

On the podcast. Really know, really? Join best friends Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden along with experts, newsmakers and celebrities in a search for answers to life's most baffling, intriguing and annoying questions. You know those things that make you go, really? No, really.

[Unknown Speaker]

I think There was a 17 year old in Rhode island who ran a candidate that was a deep fake.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Really?

[Unknown Speaker]

Wait, wait, that's news to me. That's really no really right there. Really? No, really.

[Jason Alexander]

Listen to really no really on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Molly Qerim]

LeBron is one of those dudes who.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Believes he's up here. And folks, particularly in the media are down here. There are exceptions, you know, in moments that he needs others, but that's who he is. Cool.

[Molly Qerim]

LeBron has a show called the Shop. Once upon a time, Rich Paul's the Maverick Carters came up to me, Gotta.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Have you on, gotta have you on. I said, simple and plain. No problem. Only in one condition. Two conditions. I'm sorry, LeBron must be there because there are times where the Shop was aired and LeBron wasn't in attendance. I said, I show up. LeBron has to be there, number one. And number two, no editing. Don't edit shit out, Cliff note stuff, clip things.

[Molly Qerim]

Cut it out.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Nah, let the public see.

[Molly Qerim]

I know if I told him to come off first take, he ain't gonna want to do that because he views.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That as benefiting me.

[Molly Qerim]

I know that if I wanted him to come on this podcast, he viewed that as benefiting me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Ladies and gentlemen, I offered to come on his spot. Name the time and place and I'll show up by my damn self. I was never taken up on that offer because you see, it's real easy to talk that talk like you got all the facts when I'm not there to respond. It's another thing entirely if I'm there to refute all the bullshit coming out your mouth. But this is what he does. It's what he's always done.

[Molly Qerim]

And then he looks at everybody else and he say, this Steven, A man, please.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Whatever Whatever.

[Molly Qerim]

Why do I take this so seriously?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because you got cats out there trying to give the impression that I come after people's families. I need y'all to pause for one second and I just need y'all to think I'm just talking to the professional athletes out there. I'm not gonna even mention any names.

[Molly Qerim]

Who have rallied to the support of LeBron like he's this big victim.

[Stephen A. Smith]

There are owners, there are general managers, there are coaches, there are other players in other sports, what have you. Nepotism exists in every form of business we can muster in our minds. It's okay. It's okay. But when have you seen someone demand that the public stands down while somebody has lifted up their offspring before it was earned? When has that happened? I'm not talking about Bronnie now and what we're seeing.

[Molly Qerim]

I'm not even talking about Bronnie from.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A month ago or whatever.

[Molly Qerim]

I'm just talking about in general, what the whole specter before he bounced the ball. What we saw, what we witnessed LeBron doing and manipulating. Tell me when we've seen somebody do that for someone who was universally recognized as not necessarily ready yet.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Not that he wouldn't be, but not necessarily ready yet.

[Molly Qerim]

That's what he asked of us. So I again was talking about dad.

[Stephen A. Smith]

As in, yo, he's in public eye.

[Molly Qerim]

Don't expose him like this to us, cuz we got a job to do. Don't do that. That's all. I wasn't the one that brought up the legitimacy of his McDonald's All American.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Appearance on the roster. Kendrick Perkins did that.

[Molly Qerim]

Numerous people pointed to other folks in high school basketball at the time and.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They were questioning their worthiness.

[Molly Qerim]

I didn't do that when he had the heart ailment. I'm, oh my God, I hope he's okay. When he decided to pass up staying at USC and, and. And turn pro. Cool. When opening night took place in the Griffeys were in tenders. I was in crypto.com arena standing, clapping. All of that got ignored. Why did it get ignored, ladies and gentlemen? Because LeBron, it wasn't about the problem.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That LeBron had about his son. It was LeBron having a problem and finally finding an excuse to do what he always wanted to do, which was confront me in an unfortunate and public platform. I'm not gonna go as far as I wanna go in saying how weak that stuff is in terms of how he confronted me. I would have waited. I got nothing to say to him now.

[Molly Qerim]

You know, we'll probably never speak in life again.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But if he wanted, you know, I.

[Molly Qerim]

Wish he had the shop. I wish he invited me on. Not my platform, his platform.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You can't defend the stuff that he's done.

[Molly Qerim]

You have no idea.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But he knows. I know we want to go there.

[Molly Qerim]

Let's go there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Slytherin. And just through stuff.

[Molly Qerim]

And always with the two faced. Non.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Ooh. Y'all don't know the half. Y'all don't know.

[Molly Qerim]

So when he went on Pat McAfee's show earlier today, it was no surprise.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The show that comes on after first.

[Molly Qerim]

Take.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The show that stars me.

[Molly Qerim]

I know that you got a new podcast coming out with Steve Nash.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No surprise there. J.J. redick. Steve Nash, no surprise.

[Molly Qerim]

Got the podcast coming out. Definitely want to promote that basketball podcast. And we should watch it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We should learn.

[Molly Qerim]

Because LeBron knows more basketball than most people forgot. Just like he said to Pat McAfee. His mind, he thinks the game. Most of these people rely on their athleticism and their talents and their skill. He relies on his brain. He's absolutely right. And he knows basketball backwards and forwards.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That has nothing to do with how you've treated people. That has nothing to do the things that you've said. That has nothing to do with you.

[Molly Qerim]

Confronting me about doing my job. And everybody wants to look at and.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Say, as a father.

[Molly Qerim]

As a father. As a father, because I said, as a father, I stand by that. Not because he's Bronnie's father. I stand by it because he was the one putting everything on public display. We didn't have to know that he didn't care about, you know, I. I'm sorry. He. We did not have to know that he was willing to go someplace else practically for free. We did not have to know that it was not about the money. We did not have to hear him say, you want me draft Bronnie? We did not have to hear him say, my son is better than half the players or some of the players in the NBA right now before he ever played an NBA game. You did that. That was LeBron James who did that. He wasn't asked that. He wasn't asked his level of culpability.

[Stephen A. Smith]

In all of this.

[Molly Qerim]

He goes on there and he talks.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Matt. Cool. I got it. I got it.

[Molly Qerim]

So it is what it is. There's really not much else to say other than this, ladies and gentlemen.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's very important that you understand what I'm about to say to me any. I'm not a liar. Might not like what I Say every truth ain't meant to be told. But I don't go on the airwaves and lie. I did not know we were being videoed at courtside. He was walking out of a timeout.

[Molly Qerim]

I did not know initially that after he finished getting in my face, he looked right up at the camera. Go back and look at the angle. I didn't know that. I didn't know that when I went on the air the next morning. We had a morning meeting at which time I said to the staff, at first take, I don't feel like talking about this. And then minutes later, they said, it's the number one trending topic in sports.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You have to talk about it. The bosses, you have to talk about it. What do you mean you ain't talking about it?

[Molly Qerim]

This is what you do. This is sports. This is a sports story, and it directly involves you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What you mean you ain't talking about it?

[Molly Qerim]

So he might think I'm salivating, and I was happy to discuss it. I'm not happy to discuss a dude getting in my face telling me, stop.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Shitting on his son. I'm not happy about that.

[Molly Qerim]

I think Savannah is the first lady of the NBA. I think she's an absolutely wonderful human being that has always been nothing but kind to me. You think I like the thought of pissing her off? Gloria James, an absolutely wonderful person that I have seen over the years and has never been anything but the most pleasant person in the world to me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't like the thought of upsetting her.

[Molly Qerim]

Or anybody that cares about him. I certainly don't want to hurt Bronnie. I'm rooting for the kid. But the news is the news, the sport is the sport, and the story was the story. So LeBron could be say anything he.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wants, and I wanted to talk about him or whatever.

[Molly Qerim]

And I'm going to continue to talk.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To you about you, bro. When you retire, let's see how much I talk to you about you, then you won't matter much.

[Molly Qerim]

I promise you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I won't be talking about you much when you stop playing. But as long as you're playing, I'm going to talk about you because that's.

[Molly Qerim]

My job, and I'm going to be very objective about it. You deserve praise. I'm going to give it to you. You deserve criticism.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm going to give that, too.

[Molly Qerim]

But at least I'm going to tell.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The truth instead of lying like LeBron James has been lying, using his son as an excuse to say what he said to me. He has a problem with me.

[Molly Qerim]

He knows good and damn well I.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wasn'T shitting on his son.

[Molly Qerim]

He has a problem and instead of.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Talking to me about it, he came at me when I wasn't in a position to respond. And then when he wanted to respond and elaborate, he went to Pat McAfee. Major props to Pat McAfee again for getting it. Anybody would have gotten it. Damn it, you did it. I have no problem with Pat McAfee whatsoever. What he did with this interview. I'm not insulted or offended or betrayed by a teammate or anything like that. That's nonsense. He did the right thing. LeBron is the culprit here, but far be it for me to say that about King James. Kings don't get blamed. I guess that's why he's not my king.

[Nissan Advertiser]

Okay, so we all need to get away from the world sometimes. Well, in the all new 2025 Nissan Murano, you don't even have to go anywhere. The Murano is the getaway. Just picture it. The Bose Premium sound system plays your favorite music as the Murano's massaging leather appointed seats melt away your stress. Yeah, that's a real getaway. Drive the all new 2025 Nissan Murano today. Bose and massaging leather appointed seats are optional features.

[Reshawn McDonald]

This is Reshawn McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass. Every business starts with an idea. How can you go from daydreamer to industry leader? Amazon Business accelerates your journey with smart business buying. Get everything you need to grow in one familiar place. From office supplies to IT essentials and maintenance tools. Amazon Business takes the buying experience you know and love from Amazon Plus Tools to help you save costs and make insights based decisions ready to bring your visions to life. Learn [e-mail].