Dave Portnoy tore into both LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith over their courtside confrontation on Thursday night. 

Cameras caught the ESPN personality and Los Angeles Lakers star in a heated exchange of words with Smith sat courtside for the game against his beloved New York Knicks.

Smith addressed the clash Friday morning on ‘First Take,’ when he revealed that NBA icon had lashed out over the analyst’s previous comments on James’s son, Bronny James.  

The revelation left Portnoy seething as he turned the blame on James Sr, claiming the criticism Bronny has faced since entering the NBA is a consequence of his famous father’s actions. 

‘I’m one of the most neutral guys on LeBron,’ the Barstool founder began in a four-minute tirade shared in a video on X. ‘I go both ways. 

‘[He’s] one of the all-time greats – definitely not better than Jordan. One of the most sensitive babies we’ve ever seen in sports. By all accounts great family man, great dad. 

Dave Portnoy tore into both LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith over their confrontation

‘But this is one of the most ridiculous controversies in the history of civilization. LeBron doesn’t want Stephen A., the media or whoever talking about Bronny who is a professional basketball player on one of the most storied franchises in the league. What are we talking about here?’

In 2018, James admitted that he regretted naming a then-14-year-old Bronny after himself due to the pressure the тιтle pᴀssed down. 

And Portnoy dragged the confession back to the forefront as he questioned why James would make such an admission only to force his son to follow in his footsteps into the NBA. 

‘Then he forces the Lakers to draft this kid in the NBA before he’s ready,’ a bewildered Portnoy exclaimed. ‘He didn’t even start at USC! 

‘Now, [Bronny] overcomes a heart tragedy, thank god, and Bronny by all accounts seems like a good dude. I feel awful, my heart aches for Bronny James to have to live up to your dad, which is almost impossible to do.’

It was reported last year that James warned other teams around the league to steer clear of Bronny in the draft in order to allow the Lakers to swoop in. 

Bronny did ultimately become a Laker alongside his dad with Los Angeles selecting him with the No. 55 overall pick.

James fulfilled his lifelong dream in October when the pair became first-ever father-son duo to suit up alongside each other in an NBA game during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Smith revealed that James’s fury stemmed from comments he made over his son, Bronny

‘Now, one day he could’ve gotten in the league but he’s only there now as a Make-A-Wish to LeBron,’ Portnoy went on to claim. ‘To keep LeBron happy. 

‘He’s in a big boy league, playing against big boy players and he stinks. And LeBron doesn’t want the media to talk about it? He’s going to go up to people and get in their face? What are we doing here? 

‘I try to give LeBron the benefit of the doubt but if you don’t want the media to talk about how your son is overmatched and it looks like a Make-A-Wish, then don’t force him to go onto the team. Let him be in the G-League forever. Let him go to college. Let him earn it.’ 

While Smith shared some of Portnoy sentiments on First Take, also appearing to point the finger at James, the longtime analyst admitted he understood the Lakers star’s fury as a father. 

The ESPN personality also appeared to make a scrambling attempt to retract his criticism of Bronny, claiming his previous judgements weren’t centered around the rookie but rather the precarious position he had been placed in by his dad. 

Yet, Portnoy was less than impressed at Smith’s address, also taking aim at the 57-year-old.  

James made no secret of his desire to play on the same team as his son ahead of the draft

‘Then Stephen A. with kid gloves today on First Take,’ Portnoy continued to rant. ‘If that’s anyone else, he’s ripping them apart. 

‘Your kid is in the NBA. He’s a professional player. He’s getting paid. That’s on you LeBron. You wanted it.’

‘I try to root for LeBron, I really do. But Deuce Tatum is more important to the Celtics than Bronny is to the Lakers,’ Portnoy added, referring to the seven-year-old son of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. ‘Can’t talk about Bronny Jr? He’s in the NBA! 

‘Stephen A. you’re better than that. I thought he was going to come out swinging. I get it, there’s a lot of pressure and you have connections and friends, but kid gloves today on Frist Take. If that’s anybody else… He’s like, “That’s a father talking.” His kid is in the NBA. You can’t talk about a kid in the NBA? This is disgusting.’