Stephen A. Smith’s Explosive Take on LeBron James Amid NBA Gambling Scandal

The NBA’s 2025 gambling scandal has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, but none have reacted as passionately as sports commentator Stephen A. Smith.

Known for his outspoken and often personal critiques of LeBron James, Smith seized the moment to intensify his decades-long feud with the Lakers superstar, whose name surfaced indirectly through his close confidant Damon Jones.

The scandal broke just two days into the 2025-26 NBA season, when the FBI announced the arrest of over 30 individuals, including players, coaches, and mafia associates, in a massive operation dubbed Operation Nothing But Bet.

The investigation revealed insider trading on player injury information and rigged poker games supported by four major New York mafia families—the Bonano, Gambino, Genevese, and Lucasi.

Damon Jones, a former NBA player and LeBron’s longtime shooting coach, was accused of leaking confidential injury information about LeBron and teammate Anthony Davis to gamblers.

For example, Jones allegedly tipped off conspirators about LeBron’s ankle soreness before a February 2023 Lakers-Bucks game, allowing insiders to place lucrative bets before the information was public.

Crucially, federal prosecutors made clear that LeBron James had no knowledge of Jones’s actions and is considered a victim rather than a participant.

Despite this, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back.

On live television and multiple podcasts, Smith lambasted LeBron, accusing him of hypocrisy and entitlement.

Smith framed the scandal as emblematic of deeper issues in LeBron’s camp and used it to reignite his personal war with the superstar.

Their feud, rooted in a decade of tension dating back to LeBron’s 2010 “Decision” to join Miami, has often blurred the lines between professional analysis and personal attack.

Smith recounted how LeBron and his inner circle allegedly tried to sabotage his career behind the scenes, including attempts to block his media appearances.

He also criticized LeBron’s public image as a social justice advocate while accusing him of selective activism and personal vendettas against black critics like himself.

This feud escalated notably after LeBron’s son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in 2024, with Smith questioning nepotism and LeBron’s leadership as a father.

The gambling scandal gave Smith fresh ammunition.

He criticized LeBron for the optics of having his trusted coach betray him and for the perceived damage to the NBA’s reputation.

Smith’s commentary polarized fans—some applauded his fearless accountability, while others decried it as obsessive and clickbait-driven.

Beyond the personal drama, the scandal exposed a sophisticated criminal network exploiting legalized sports betting’s vulnerabilities.

Players and coaches allegedly sold insider information about injuries and game plans to gamblers, enabling millions in illicit wagers on prop bets—bets on specific player statistics rather than just game outcomes.

Simultaneously, the mafia-backed Operation Royal Flush ran high-stakes underground poker games rigged with advanced cheating tech: X-ray poker tables, modified shufflers, marked cards visible only through special lenses, and hidden cameras.

NBA figures like Chanty Bilips, the Portland Trailblazers head coach and Hall of Famer, were implicated as “face cards” used to lure wealthy victims.

The scandal has forced the NBA to confront serious questions about its gambling partnerships with companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, which have become major revenue sources since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling legalized sports betting nationwide.

Critics argue the league’s embrace of betting has opened the door to corruption and undermined fan trust.

Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed deep concern and pledged cooperation with authorities.

The NBA placed Rosier and Bilips on immediate leave, and the league’s internal investigations continue amid mounting public scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith remains a relentless voice in the media spotlight, intertwining the scandal coverage with his ongoing personal feud with LeBron.

His critiques reflect broader cultural tensions around race, power, media influence, and athlete empowerment in the modern sports landscape.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the NBA faces a critical crossroads: balancing lucrative betting revenues with the imperative to protect the sport’s integrity.

The scandal has shattered illusions about the invulnerability of professional basketball and serves as a stark warning about the risks of unchecked gambling expansion.

For LeBron James, the immediate focus remains on his health and performance, as he navigates the fallout from having his name linked to the scandal through trusted associates.

For Stephen A. Smith, the scandal is yet another chapter in a complex and contentious saga that shows no signs of abating.