Over the past month, Stephen A. Smith has been the center of attention with a lucrative new contract, personal conflicts, strong opinions on sports, and even political aspirations. It’s an overwhelming period by any measure. However, during just one sit-down with LeBron James, Pat McAfee managed to convey more about Smith’s influence in sports than Smith could have in multiple episodes of First Take, podcasts, and interviews.
The latest chapter in Smith’s saga is his ongoing feud with LeBron James, sparked by their viral confrontation at a Lakers game on March 6. Though this event happened only three weeks ago, it feels like an eternity due to its constant presence in the media landscape. A significant part of this is Smith’s refusal to move on. Following a serious conversation about the confrontation on First Take, he unleashed a stream of monologues covering everything from LeBron and Bronny James to broader media dynamics. Smith directed another diatribe at LeBron after the latter’s interview with McAfee, criticizing his remarks about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential in the ’70s NBA, labeling it as “passive aggressive.”
We’re approaching a breaking point for those who have followed Stephen A. Smith for over a decade. The downside of his omnipresence across sports, television, politics, and social media is that what he is saying no longer makes waves. His commentary fails to resonate. One day he seeks to mend fences with RGIII, and the next he’s seen interviewing Ben Shapiro on his podcast. He oscillates between standing by his harsh critiques of Bronny James to claiming he was always a supporter. His actions raise the question: is he attempting to emulate Donald Trump, Bill Maher, Joe Rogan, or all of them?
McAfee’s interview with LeBron aired mere hours before Smith returned to his podcast, once again discussing their confrontation and joking about “throwing hands” with the King. To kick off First Take the next day, he launched into another ten-plus minute monologue addressing the interview, reiterating attacks against LeBron ranging from his association with Kobe Bryant to comparing him favorably against Michael Jordan, yet again.
While it’s one thing for Stephen A. Smith to deliver his fiery commentary on the Lakers or Cowboys, he’s now sidelining other discussions to air his personal grievances, effectively turning a leading sports show into a platform for his rants.
Smith isn’t just beating a dead horse; he’s going so far as to dig it up and run it through a woodchipper.
Stephen A Smith was ready to throw hands with LeBron LOL pic.twitter.com/geilEzBgTC
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 26, 2025
Stephen A. Smith on LeBron James: “I suggest that he be happy with the things that I haven’t brought up. I never brought up really and never really discussed why you were not at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service…
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 27, 2025
The notion that anything happening amidst this chaotic noise is significant is simply absurd. Everything gets lost in the whirlwind of Being Stephen A. Smith.
The contrast between Smith and McAfee has never been clearer. McAfee’s endeavors genuinely resonate with the public, while Smith’s do not. ESPN has invested substantial resources into both personalities, arguably positioning them as its new flagship figures. Reports suggest that the relationship between them is strained. When Pat McAfee joined ESPN, he frequently collaborated with Smith on First Take during the 2023 football season, but that changed in 2024.
It’s noteworthy that LeBron James chose to sit down for an exclusive hour-long interview with McAfee, the one person at ESPN who currently outshines Stephen A. Smith. This choice speaks volumes.
While Smith has jabbered on about LeBron for weeks with diminishing impact, McAfee allowed LeBron to speak for himself, yielding significant news. McAfee’s relaxed, athlete-friendly interview style made for a surprisingly candid conversation, presenting insights on everything from The Decision to Bronny’s growth and Smith himself, all while engaging in a TV style the network likely delights in.
“Stephen A Smith is on a Taylor Swift tour run right now 😂😂 He completely missed the whole point… It’s my job to protect my own household as well as all players” @KingJames #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/LKKFmvtFWM
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
This begs the question: what does it say about the two that McAfee could generate more meaningful headlines in a single hour with LeBron than Smith has managed in an entire month?
Even those focusing on sports media are finding the ongoing stream of content from Stephen A. Smith to be tallying up to an absurd level of fatigue, particularly this month. Between his feud with James, conflicts with RGIII and Draymond Green, a new contract with ESPN, and his tour through conservative media, he’s become a self-proclaimed political figure as well. His challenge to President Trump and attempts to revive Skip Bayless’s career have fueled this content wave.
This reflects a potentially Trump-like strategy as Smith seems to be flooding the media with diverse narratives. While his political ambitions may be cooling off his sports credibility, the effect has been overwhelming fatigue among sports fans.
While Pat McAfee also commands attention with his own daily show, WWE Raw commentary, and College GameDay role, he presents himself as a lighthearted sports personality. Ultimately, he is reliable at getting the important insights that audiences crave.
As a sports fan, would you prefer to endure another day of Stephen A. Smith’s rants, or would you rather enjoy a chill conversation with Pat McAfee and LeBron James? If ESPN is offering two contrasting futures for sports discourse, the more appealing option is abundantly obvious.
During his recent contract negotiations, Smith expressed a desire to become the highest-paid personality at ESPN, eclipsing McAfee’s contract. However, in just one hour, McAfee has shown he may be the true star at ESPN.
