a mocking video on Instagram. The four-time NBA champion shared a clip of Smith training, paired with fourteen laughing emojis and the caption: “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMPPPPPPPP.” The video quickly gained over 500,000 likes within an hour.

The online spat is the latest chapter in an ongoing feud between the NBA star and the outspoken analyst. Their tension escalated after James accused Smith of crossing the line with personal commentary. In response, Smith claimed that had things turned physical, he wouldn’t have backed down. “I would’ve gotten my a** kicked… but I would have immediately swung on him,” he said.

James addressed the issue during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, saying the analyst missed the point entirely. “I’d never stop people from criticizing on-court play—that’s part of your job,” he said. “But when it gets personal, it’s my job to protect my household and team.”

Amid the drama, James also made headlines on the court with a buzzer-beating tip-in that sealed the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 120-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. He scored 13 points, but it was the final play that sent fans into a frenzy.

With both James and Smith continuing to speak out, the feud remains one of the most talked-about stories in sports media. Fans are now watching closely to see how—or if—it escalates further.