LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied for a 110-101 home victory over Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
Afterward, James linked up with the two-time All-Star, and a hot mic captured some of his postgame remarks, fueling speculation across the NBA world that they related to Stephen A. Smith’s controversial comments about Williamson’s weight.
NBA World Believes LeBron James Backed Zion Williamson After Stephen A. Smith’s ‘Food Addict’ Remark
After falling behind 94-86 in the fourth quarter, LA appeared to be on the ropes against the lowly Pelicans. However, James and Co. responded by scoring 14 straight points down the stretch and ending the contest on a 24-7 run to secure their third straight win.
James, who tallied 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on efficient 8-for-12 shooting (66.7%), continued his dominance over Williamson, improving to 10-1 in their head-to-head regular-season matchups. Immediately after, the four-time MVP imparted some wisdom on the 25-year-old.
“F**k all that B.S. about Stephen A.,” news outlet Courtside Buzz speculated James said, referencing Smith’s harsh assertion earlier in the day that Williamson, who has battled weight issues throughout most of his career, was a “food addict.”
“You got people that are alcoholics, you got people that are drug addicts, and stuff like that. What was Zion’s problem? Food! Food addict!” Smith claimed on Tuesday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” with some arguing that he crossed the line.
“… Anybody that cooked knew about Zion Williamson, and he knew them. They were on a first-name basis ’cause that brother ate a lot.”
LeBron James to Zion Williamson about Stephen A. Smith’s comments about Zion’s eating habits:
“F*** all that B.S. about Stephen A.”
Smith’s comments:
“Nothing was made up… you got people who are alcoholics, drug addicts, & stuff like that. What was Zion’s problem? Food!… pic.twitter.com/oInj1VTwQh
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 4, 2026
As James’ alleged pushback against Smith made the rounds on X, others offered similar takes.
“LeBron called out Stephen A. Smith for his Zion comments,” Lakers fan account Playoff LAL contended.
“LeBron talked to Zion about Stephen A. Smith’s comments,” BrickCenter shared.
“LeBron to Zion after the game: ‘F**k all that bulls**t about Stephen A.’ Earlier today Stephen A Smith called Zion a food addict and made fun of his weight,” LA fan account Lakers All Day Everyday reiterated.
James is no stranger to dealing with Stephen A. Smith’s criticism, having famously confronted him face-to-face over disparaging comments about his son, Bronny, in March of last year.
If James’ alleged postgame message to Williamson is true, it appears the 23-year veteran would prefer to see him block out the outside noise and continue locking in amid what has been one of his healthiest seasons to date.
