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[Saba Sports News] Stephen A. Smith recently issued an apology after threatening to reveal why LeBron James reportedly didn’t attend Kobe Bryant’s memorial service in 2020. Now, that moment of drama has reignited a larger debate: was LeBron actually there?
Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. A public memorial—“A Celebration of Life”—was held at Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) on February 24 of that year, drawing countless celebrities, NBA legends, and public figures.
At the time, The Los Angeles Times listed LeBron James among the current and former Lakers players said to be in attendance. However, no images or video clips from the event ever confirmed that. His presence was widely assumed, but never visually verified.
The topic resurfaced amid an ongoing feud between Smith and James, sparked by Smith’s commentary on LeBron’s son, Bronny. After LeBron addressed the issue on The Pat McAfee Show, Smith fired back on First Take, implying he could reveal damaging information—including the alleged truth about LeBron’s absence at Kobe’s memorial.
“I suggest he be happy with the things I haven’t brought up,” Smith said. “I never really discussed why he wasn’t at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service.”
Following backlash, Smith apologized, claiming he was later informed that LeBron was “in the building” during the memorial but chose not to be seen publicly. “Why? I’ll let him answer that one day, if he so chooses,” Smith added.
But things got murkier on Friday. Pablo Torre, former ESPN personality and host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, said he spoke with eight sources connected to the memorial—all of whom were certain LeBron wasn’t here. Torre pointed to a moment during Diana Taurasi’s speech where she gestured toward an area while mentioning LeBron, which some believed implied he was seated in that section. Still, no photos or definitive evidence of James surfaced.
LeBron addressed the memorial during a media session the next day, calling it a “very emotional day” and commending Vanessa Bryant’s strength. However, he stopped short of confirming whether he was actually present.
“I respect your question, for sure,” James said. “It was a very emotional, very tough day for myself, my family, and everyone involved.”
LeBron did deliver a heartfelt tribute at Staples Center shortly after Kobe’s passing, a moment many remember vividly.
But his possible absence from the official memorial remains a point of speculation—and the reason behind it, if true, may never be publicly known. Smith’s original comments implied there’s more to the story, and that, more than anything, is what continues to fuel the curiosity.