Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to saying wild shit on TV, but it’s always more fun when he tries to add some legitimacy to his takes with his insider credentials. He did this on Tuesday when relaying what “sources” had told him about Kevin Durant’s free-agency plans. Today, Durant called bullshit on Stephen A.
Here’s what Smith had to say on Tuesday’s episode of First Take (via Larry Brown Sports):
“Regardless of how senseless it may (sound), in one breath I’m hearing that if Kevin Durant doesn’t stay in Oklahoma City, L.A. is his primary objective and landing spot as opposed to South Beach or even his home of Washington, D.C.,” Smith said.
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“I heard Melo, Kevin Durant, Kobe,” Smith added. “And when you take into account that Phil Jackson is on the record saying it might be Kobe’s last year in L.A. — opening the door that there are possibilities for him to go elsewhere. All I’m saying is you just never know.”
Here’s what Durant had to say when he was asked about Smith’s report today:
Did Stephen A. Smith just keep his mouth shut and move on? Of course he didn’t. Instead, he posted this message to his Twitter account:
Regarding @KDTrey5 and his negative comments about me, let me say this: At NO time did I ever say I SPOKE to K.D. Or his family. Or his brother, friends, teammates, etc. (although I can assure you all I have on several occasions in the past). I said I HEARD from folks I know — in a league I’ve been covering for 19 years — that if he were to leave OKC as a free agent, these are the cities I was told he was considering. OKC. LA. Miami. DC. NY. I stand by it all. And that is that.
His assertion that I was lying is not only FALSE, but totally uncalled for. Especially from a player who receives nothing but praise not only from me, but from practically every media member you can find. Yet, for some reason, we’re all the same folks who don’t know *&%$ about the game of basketball. Whose thoughts he could give a &^%$ about. Essentially, individuals he wishes he’d never have to talk to.....that he’s being forced to tolerate.....as if someone has done something to him.....OF ALL PEOPLE!
Don’t know what has happened to Mr. Durant over the years. But I know this much: We all win with his return, because he is an absolute superstar. The NBA is better with him. We’re all at a loss without him.
It just appears that @KDTrey5 needs to learn something about today’s world in professional sports:
We don’t have to talk TO HIM to talk ABOUT HIM!
Folks like ME will still be here. Watching! Listening! Waiting! Reporting!
Whether he likes it or not. While he’s here and long after he’s gone.
Time to get use to it.
You got that, Kevin Durant? Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere, so get “use” to it.