After being the center of attention for clashing with LeBron James, it took Stephen A. Smith just a few weeks to spark a new feud with another NBA star. This time, it was Kevin Durant who responded to the controversial ESPN commentator.
Another clash between Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith
The Phoenix Suns star lashed out at Stephen A. Smith after the commentator mused about running for U.S. president in 2028 instead of focusing on basketball.
Durant’s comments came after Smith claimed that the future Hall of Famer “is not a leader.”
“Steve wants to run for president, do you think he really paid attention to a struggling team?” Durant posted on his X account, referring to the Suns, and adding, “That’s called propaganda.”
Smith responded to Durant’s remarks on ESPN‘s morning show First Take, calling him “another” sensitive player who can’t handle criticism.
“I don’t care what KD says. I only have love for KD. I know he’s a good brother. He’s just a bit sensitive sometimes,” Smith said.
“I’m going to dedicate at least an hour to covering the NBA, the way the players want me to.”
ESPN analyst and former player Marcus Morris, who knows Kevin Durant, said he is a “true leader,” though his influence on teams isn’t as visible as some might expect.
“I think I’m one of the greatest leaders of all time. It’s a shame you can’t see it,” Durant wrote in another message to a social media user.
Kevin Durant and LeBron James are not the same
Stephen A. Smith has said that his issues with the two players are entirely different, noting that while Kevin Durant is not his enemy, things with LeBron James “are different.”
It’s worth recalling that LeBron confronted Smith during a Los Angeles Lakers game after the analyst made comments about his son, Bronny James, who also plays in the NBA.
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