LeBron James Expands His Empire with Amazon Podcast Deal and Speaks Out on Stephen A. Smith Controversy
Photo by Will Francis on Unsplash
LeBron James continues to make waves both on and off the basketball court. On March 26, the Lakers superstar made a major announcement that has basketball fans and media buzzing. In addition to his much-anticipated return to the game following an injury, LeBron revealed an exciting new partnership with Amazon that will bring his critically acclaimed podcast, Mind The Game, into its highly anticipated second season.
The podcast, originally launched under LeBron’s Uninterrupted brand, has been a hit among basketball enthusiasts, offering deep discussions about the game, strategic breakdowns, and insights straight from the minds of players. Now, with this new multiyear partnership with Wondery, the show will reach an even broader audience through Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV, YouTube, and other major platforms.
A New Co-Host and a Fresh Perspective for Mind The Game
For its second season, Mind The Game is undergoing a significant shift. While the first season featured in-depth discussions with former NBA player JJ Redick, the latest installment will see LeBron team up with another basketball legend—NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash. Known for his incredible basketball IQ and strategic thinking, Nash brings a fresh dynamic to the show.
LeBron expressed his excitement over the change, acknowledging the impact that Redick had on the first season but embracing the opportunity to collaborate with Nash moving forward. “I love learning and talking about the game of basketball,” LeBron shared in an interview. “We had some incredible discussions in the first season. I lost JJ as my co-host, but now I’ve gained a coach. Now, I get to do this with another one of the greatest basketball minds in Steve Nash.”
This partnership promises to bring fans an even deeper level of analysis, especially as the show gears up to launch just before the NBA playoffs—a time when basketball strategies and player insights are at their peak. Expect thoughtful discussions, expert breakdowns, and candid conversations between two of the sharpest basketball thinkers of their generation.
LeBron Addresses Controversy with Stephen A. Smith and Defends His Son
Beyond his podcast endeavors, LeBron also made headlines for another reason this week—his response to recent comments made by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, LeBron finally addressed the situation that sparked controversy following the Lakers’ March 6 victory over the New York Knicks.
The tension between LeBron and Smith began when the outspoken ESPN commentator made remarks about LeBron’s son, Bronny James, in a way that the Lakers star felt was unfair and personal. While LeBron is no stranger to media criticism and open discussions about his own performance, he made it clear that his family is off-limits.
“[Smith] completely missed the whole point,” LeBron explained during the live stream. “Never would I ever stop people from criticizing players about what they do on the court. But when you take it beyond basketball and make it personal, that’s where I draw the line. It’s my job to protect my household and to stand up for the players.”
LeBron’s statement made one thing clear—while he has no problem with professional critiques, he will not tolerate personal attacks on his family. As a father, he has always been fiercely protective of his children, and given the level of attention and pressure Bronny already faces as an up-and-coming basketball star, LeBron’s stance is understandable.
Bronny James Makes His Mark Despite the Noise
While the debate over Smith’s comments rages on, Bronny James has been making headlines for all the right reasons. Despite the immense pressure of being LeBron’s son, Bronny has been letting his game speak for itself.
Recently, he put up a career-high 17 points during a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, showing flashes of his potential. Just days later, he followed up that performance with an explosive 39-point game in the G League, proving that he is more than just a famous last name—he is a serious contender in his own right.
Although his rookie season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Bronny’s recent performances indicate that he is adapting and improving. With each game, he continues to demonstrate his own unique talent, showing critics that he has the drive and skill to succeed on his own terms.
LeBron, always the proud father, has made it clear that he fully supports his son’s journey, regardless of outside opinions. He knows the challenges that come with being in the spotlight, and he is determined to ensure that Bronny has every opportunity to carve out his own legacy.
LeBron’s Return to the Court Gives Lakers a Boost
While his off-court ventures and media battles have been grabbing headlines, LeBron’s return to action with the Lakers is equally significant. After missing seven games due to a groin strain, the veteran forward is back just in time to help his team make a strong push toward the playoffs.
Before his injury, the Lakers had been gaining momentum following key trades that strengthened their roster. However, with LeBron sidelined, the team struggled to maintain its consistency. Now, with his return, they hope to regain their footing and make a deep run in the postseason.
Even fellow NBA stars have acknowledged LeBron’s importance. Luka Dončić, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in a high-profile trade earlier this year, recently stated that working alongside LeBron could be key in turning the Lakers’ season around. That sentiment speaks volumes about the respect LeBron commands—not just among fans, but among his peers as well.
With the playoffs fast approaching, the Lakers need every bit of leadership and talent that LeBron brings to the table. His presence alone is enough to shift the energy of a game, and with the stakes higher than ever, fans are eager to see how he leads the team in the coming weeks.
LeBron James’ Ever-Growing Influence Beyond Basketball
LeBron James has long been more than just a basketball player. From his philanthropic work to his business ventures and media projects, he continues to expand his influence beyond the hardwood. His partnership with Amazon is just the latest example of how he is shaping his legacy in ways that extend beyond his on-court achievements.
His ability to juggle multiple roles—athlete, entrepreneur, media personality, and devoted father—is a testament to his work ethic and ambition. He is constantly evolving, finding new ways to stay relevant, and using his platform to make an impact both within and outside the sports world.
As he moves forward, whether through his podcast, his leadership on the court, or his commitment to his family, one thing remains clear: LeBron James is a force to be reckoned with. His influence transcends basketball, and his legacy will continue to grow long after he hangs up his jersey.
With Mind The Game set for an exciting second season, Bronny making strides in his career, and the Lakers fighting for playoff glory, the coming months promise to be an exciting chapter in LeBron’s ever-expanding story. Fans will be watching closely—because when LeBron James makes a move, the world pays attention.
