“Keep my son out of this” - Fans try decoding LeBron James’ heated altercation with Stephen A. Smith at Lakers game courtside 

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith seemingly engaged in a heated exchange during Thursday's contest between the LA Lakers and New York Knicks at the Crypto.com Arena. The duo have had it out for each other over the past week. James called out the media for "sh**ting" on the game and the league's stars while supporting Anthony Edwards' comments about rejecting the face of the league honor.

Meanwhile, Smith retaliated, saying it wasn't the case. The ESPN analyst voiced his opinion on First Take.

"That’s some B.S. I’m gonna call it like I see it, this is straight B.S.,” Smith said. “I don’t appreciate what he said," Smith said.

He didn't stop there.

"We know he talking about people like me. D--- it I’m going to say it, I’m going to be cocky enough to say I’m one of the people he alluded to. That’s nonsense! I challenge anybody to show somebody who loves the NBA and supports the NBA more than me."

A few weeks ago, Smith heavily criticized James and gave him parenting advice after Bronny James struggled in a January game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Amid these jabs from Smith, fans tried to decode what James told him in Thursday's contest. One fan believed it was about Bronny James.

"Keep my son out of this sh*t bro"

Another said:

"“Keep my son outta this” ?? Trying to put on my best lip reader eyes"

"he definitely said “leave my son out of this shit” pressed his a**," another added.

One fan said:

"that's not what i'm talking bout, keep my son out your mouth"

Revisiting Stephen A. Smith's comments on LeBron James' son Bronny James

LeBron James' son Bronny James played a season-high 15 minutes in the LA Lakers' 118-104 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 28. It was Anthony Davis' final game as a Laker. Bronny was inserted in the contest, with LA missing several key players.

Davis exited after the first quarter, citing a groin strain, while Gabe Vincent was out injured, and Jarred Vanderbilt, who was two games into his return after a year-long injury hiatus, was rested. Bronny James was coming off a solid run in the G League, which led coach JJ Redick to believe he could provide a burst for the team.

However, the plan backfired. Bronny went scoreless after missing five attempts, committed three turnovers and was a +/- - 8. His inclusion was a huge topic of conversation, especially given the narrative around him securing a spot on the team led by his father.

Stephen A. Smith weighed in with a strong message for LeBron James.

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

He also pointed out Bronny James' stats on national TV to prove his point.

"In 13 games, he has played 44 minutes, he has scored four points, he is shooting 1 of 16 from the field, 0-for-7 from 3-point range. How are you doing him favors?" Smith said.

If LeBron James was indeed arguing with Stephen A. Smith about his son, there's compelling reason to believe that this segment was a huge reason behind their conversation on Thursday.