"I'd never speak negatively about your son": Stephen A Smith makes his feelings clear on viral confrontation with LeBron James

Following the LA Lakers' win Thursday, LeBron James was seen having a heated exchange with Stephen A. Smith. After their encounter went viral on social media, the longtime analyst took to television to give his side of the story.

In the clip that has now done the rounds on social media, LeBron is visibly upset while speaking to Stephen A. At one point, the Lakers' star can be seen talking about his son. Based on lip reading, LeBron appears to be telling Stephen A. to leave Bronny out of his comments when talking about the team.

Stephen A. went on First Take Friday to talk about the situation. He didn't want to talk about what happened but felt it was needed after videos of their conversation went viral. He confirmed that LeBron approached him regarding Bronny, but Stephen A. stated he'd never talk down about the second-generation player.

"I was not going to engage in a confrontation at that particular moment in that setting," Stephen A. said. "But if we had had that conversation, I would have said to LeBron James, I never would speak negatively about your son."

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Stephen A. Smith has sounded off about Bronny and LeBron James in the past

There is no telling if a specific instance caused LeBron James to approach Stephen A. Smith in this manner. Nonetheless, the longtime TV host has not been shy about his thoughts regarding the NBA's father-son duo.

Stephen A. has discussed Bronny numerous times on First Take, with one of his biggest rants coming at the end of January. After logging his most minutes in a game this season against the Philadelphia 76ers (15), he stated the rookie guard isn't ready for the league yet. Stephen A. also claimed Bronny only plays because of LeBron and should be in the G-League to develop his game.

"I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this," Stephen A. said. "We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad."

"We know that he's not ready yet."

After he and LeBron made history on opening night, Bronny's minutes with the Lakers have been limited. He typically only comes in at the end of games when things are already out of reach. Bronny was last in action on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he logged just four minutes.

As the son of LeBron, everyone knew that Bronny was going to have a lot of eyes on him to start his NBA journey. Still trying to develop and find his footing in the league, it's clear the 21-time All-Star doesn't want people zeroing in on him.

Bronny has made 18 appearances for the Lakers as a rookie this season. In that time, he is averaging 1.4 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists.