STEPHEN A SMITH

Stephen A. Smith Delivers Surprising Lakers Hot Take

by

Stephen A. Smith is someone who is known to deliver some wild hot takes from time to time. Overall, he is a joy to watch every day on First Take. However, it is clear that not everyone appreciates what he brings to the sports world. There are a lot of people out there who believe his opinion is worthless. Of course, this is a bit of a strong thing to say. This is mostly espoused by people who have no interest in punditry whatsoever. Although, for those who love these kinds of shows, Stephen A. is the absolute best.

This season, Smith has had to talk a lot about the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have not been very good, but they do have LeBron James, which makes them noteworthy. Throughout the year, the Lakers have tried to improve the team. Recently, they did just that with a whole host of trades. Last night, the Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans in a blowout, and now, people are seeing the Lakers differently. Smith is among these people and he made a very interesting revelation today.

Stephen A. Makes A Prediction

Simply put, Smith believes the Lakers should be seen as a title contender of sorts. However, there are some caveats here. He doesn’t see them as better than the Phoenix Suns or the Denver Nuggets. However, if they can make the play-in, then there is a real chance that they give the top teams a run for their money. Stephen A. likes how the Lakers are built right now, and he is giving Rob Pelinka a ton of credit. For now, though, it remains to be seen if the Lakers can even sustain their play long enough for a playoff push.

No matter what, the purple and gold will be the team to watch over the coming months. Hopefully, they are able to show everyone what they are made of. As for Stephen A., he will continue to hold out hope that the Lakers will be part of his First Take NBA playoffs coverage. Let us know what you think of the Lakers’ future chances, in the comments down below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reveals If Patrick Mahomes Is A Top 3 QB All Time

by

Stephen A. Smith didn’t have a ton of belief in Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. Overall, Smith had the Eagles winning the game as they had a better all-around team. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs went on to prove everyone wrong. Of course, Mahomes won the game with a last-minute field goal. Moreover, he won Super Bowl MVP thanks to a three-touchdown performance that Chiefs fans will be remembering for a very long time. At this point, it is hard not to admit Mahomes’ greatness.

Throughout this entire week, pundits have been giving their hot takes on Mahomes and what he means to the Chiefs franchise. Furthermore, many have been attempting to rank Mahomes on the all-time quarterback lists. Of course, there are some people who believe that he still has a ways to go before he can crack the top 5. However, there are others who are ready to crown him as a top 3 QB ever. As it turns out, this debate was had on First Take this morning.

Stephen A. On Mahomes

In the video up above, Stephen A. took the position that Mahomes, was, indeed, the third-greatest quarterback ever. Although, he has his work cut out for him if he ever wants to get close to Tom Brady. In second, Smith had Joe Montana who has four Super Bowl titles. Needless to say, if Mahomes can get himself two more titles quickly, then he will likely surpass Montana fairly quickly. It also helps that Mahomes already has over 200 touchdowns and that he is a third of the way to Brady in just five years of being a starter.

The path for Mahomes to become the GOAT is set. Of course, it is not going to be easy, especially since the league is filled with talented players. However, if anyone could get to Brady, it would have to be none other than the Chiefs gunslinger. Let us know what you think of Stephen A.’s position, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Tells Heartwarming Kobe Bryant Story

by

Throughout his career, Stephen A. Smith has spoken to some amazing athletes. Furthermore, thanks to his standing as an incredibly famous journalist, he has a lot of relationships. Overall, this can be overwhelming especially when you give your opinion for a living. Not everyone is going to be okay with what you have to say about them, and Smith has certainly experienced that. For instance, Smith has been very forthcoming about his relationship with none other than Kobe Bryant. Over the years, this relationship hasn’t always been perfect.

However, Smith has always been adamant about the mutual respect these two had for one another. Kobe was a master of his domain and Smith was the same in the world of sports commentary. Moreover, the two would enjoy talking to each other at events and always made it a point to say hello. During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Smith told an incredible story about the last time he saw Kobe. Overall, it was very heartwarming, and it will make fans miss the Lakers legend a whole lot more.

Stephen A. & Kobe

“Kobe Bryant & I saw each other 3 weeks before he died,” Smith began. “We were at a party… We kept hugging each other for like 15 min… What I remember about that night is I had never seen him that happy ever in all the years that I knew him.” It is a sad story for Smith to have told considering the tragedy that would take place a few weeks later. As many are aware, Kobe and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash. Additionally, seven others lost their lives, making it a horrific tragedy that affected so many.

Based on the way Smith talks about Kobe, you can tell just how much he loved the former NBA star. Kobe Bryant was a very special person, and anyone who met him can attest to that. Overall, there is no doubt that Kobe’s legacy will be kept alive forever. Hopefully, the NBA continues to honor him appropriately. Let us know what you thought of Stephen A.’s story, in the comments below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reacts To Chiefs Comeback

by

Stephen A. Smith is easily one of the most famous commentators when it comes to the sports world. Overall, he is someone who shares his opinions in a very entertaining way, and that has always attracted people. He has been running ESPN for years at this point, and First Take remains one of the biggest and best shows on the network. That said, Smith has been in Arizona as of late for the Super Bowl. Consequently, fans have been eager to hear what he would say about the big game. After all, last night’s match turned out to be an instant classic between two juggernauts.

By now, most fans know that the game was won by the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, it was an amazing performance by Patrick Mahomes, who led a second-half comeback. Additionally, players like Isiah Pacheco were special throughout the match and contributed to a memorable win. Now, Mahomes is already considered to be a legend of the sport, while Jalen Hurts still has time to potentially get to a similar point. Either way, it was a great night for sports fans.

Stephen A. Speaks

As for Stephen A., he had an interesting reaction to the Super Bowl. In the clip above, Molly Qerim asked Stephen A. whether or not this was a Chiefs comeback or an Eagles collapse. Smith went on to say this was actually a Chiefs comeback. This is interesting as typically, Smith goes with the negative approach. However, this time around, he gave the Chiefs their flowers. Furthermore, he also praised head coach Andy Reid for his game. “It comes down to Andy Reid being a superior coach to Nick Sirianni in the second half, and Patrick Mahomes being that superstar that he is,” Smith said of the Chiefs.

If you are a fan of football, then last night’s game was a true delight to watch. Sure, it may have been difficult to stomach if you’re an Eagles fan, but no matter what, you got to witness greatness. Let us know what you thought of the Super Bowl, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Predicts The Super Bowl

by

Stephen A. Smith and the entire First Take crew have been in Arizona for the Super Bowl. This year’s game is going to be between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, this promises to be a truly fantastic matchup. The Chiefs come in as the underdogs even though they have the talents of Patrick Mahomes. On the other side, the Eagles have Jalen Hurts, who is beginning to get the superstar treatment. Regardless of who you are rooting for, it is clear that this will be an amazing game.

As for Smith, he has been able to give all sorts of hot takes as it pertains to the big game. Although he is mostly a basketball guy, he definitely knows a lot about football. Additionally, he has spent time in the Philadelphia market, which means he is the perfect person to talk about this Eagles team. On this morning’s episode of First Take, Smith was front and center on the panel. Overall, he was in a jovial mood, and he was ready to give his prediction on whom he believes will hoist the Lombardi trophy.

Stephen A. Makes His Pick

Earlier in the shoe, Stephen A. said that if it is a high-scoring affair, then the Kansas City Chiefs will take it. However, when it comes to his actual prediction of how things will play out, he is taking the Eagles. As you can see in the clip above, the majority of the panel is going with the Eagles as well. They were the best team in the NFL from the jump this year, and now is their time to finish it all off. Whether or not they will be able to overcome Mahomes is a completely different story.

The Super Bowl is set to go down on Sunday, and there is no doubt that this is one of those matchups for the ages. Hopefully, we get a good game, and not the stinker we got last time the Chiefs made the big game. Let us know who you think is going to win, down in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reacts To Kevin Durant Trade

by

Times like the trade deadline are when people like Stephen A. Smith are truly able to shine. Of course, this is because his job is to talk about sports. Whenever the trade deadline rolls around, Smith is able to give his biggest and best hot takes pertaining to the NBA season. Overall, Stephen A. has been given a whole lot to talk about this year. This is because there have already been some truly massive trades. Whether it be Kyrie Irving earlier this week or Russell Westbrook last night, the narratives have been endless.

Additionally, Kevin Durant was also traded last night. The Phoenix Suns were able to acquire KD for Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and even Mikal Bridges. Moreover, there were a ton of draft picks as part of this package deal. Either way, the Suns just got a whole lot better and it will be interesting to see where they are able to go from here. On First Take, Smith was able to give his reactions to this trade, and for the most part, he is very high on the Suns right now.

Stephen A. Speaks

As you can see in the clip above, he has the Suns as favorites to win everything right now. As he mentions, the Suns have Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and even Deandre Ayton. All of these pieces are fantastic, and he has a real belief that they can get it done and actually win it all. “This is the BEST chance that the Phoenix Suns have of winning the NBA championship in my lifetime,” Smith said emphatically. Overall, these are some loft expectations, although they are very well deserved. This is a team that is trying to make a big splash, and these pieces can certainly do just that.

For the rest of the day, fans will be paying close attention to the NBA world. Of course, this is because it is the trade deadline. This is always one of the best days of the entire year, and it should be incredibly fun to follow. Overall, it still remains to be seen if there will be any more blockbuster moves. Having said that, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from the NBA world. Additionally, let us know which trades you want to see, in the comments below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reveals His Greatest Athlete Of All-Time

by

Stephen A. Smith is someone who gets paid a whole lot of money to speak out about the wide world of sports. Typically, Smith has been known to give some pretty out-there hot takes. However, this is ultimately what makes him entertaining. Smith is well aware of how sports entertainment works, and he always does his best to be interesting. This has ultimately allowed him to enjoy a ton of success at ESPN. At this point, one could even say that Smith runs that network.

Over the past few weeks, Smith has been talking a lot about Tom Brady. This is because the legendary quarterback has decided to retire from the sport of football. Subsequently, many are debating his standing as the greatest player in the history of the NFL. Additionally, some are trying to debate whether or not he was a top-tier athlete. Of course, athleticism and talent are two very different things, and sometimes, they are conflated. During an appearance on Andrew Schultz Flagrant podcast, Smith had to navigate this conflation.

Stephen A. Speaks

In the clip up above, Smith was asked whether or not he thinks Brady is the greatest athlete of all-time. Immediately, Smith said no. Overall, he believes that you can’t really consider Brady to be a top-tier athlete. At the end of the day, he was never truly athletic. Instead, he was just someone who knew how to throw the football well, while also possessing a fantastic mind for the game. Consequently, Stephen A. was asked who he believes are the most athletic athletes of all-time. Smith went on to say that it would have to be Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders as they played both football and baseball at the highest level.

Jackson and Sanders are two people who have always found themselves on top of these lists. They both showcased incredible abilities in their respective sports, so it should come as no surprise that Stephen A. would pick them. As for Brady, he’s probably not too upset with Smith. Even Tom Brady would be the first to admit that he isn’t the most athletic guy in the world. Let us know what you think of Smith’s take, in the comments below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Hits Lakers With Russell Westbrook Advice

by

Stephen A. Smith has had to talk a lot about the Lakers this season. Ever since trading for Russell Westbrook last year, this team has been a mess. Overall, Russ has not been the point guard he once was. Additionally, his shooting has been horrific, and it even led to him being demoted to the bench. Needless to say, this is not what the Lakers bargained for. Consequently, it has led to all sorts of trade talks that have gone nowhere. Every week, it feels as though there is some brand-new rumor pertaining to Russ. At this juncture, however, the Lakers have yet to make a move.

Over the weekend, the Lakers thought they were going to get Kyrie Irving. After demanding a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, he seemed primed and ready for the Lakers. However, the Dallas Mavericks swooped in with a better offer, much to the dismay of Lakers fans. Now, there are renewed talks about Westbrook and whether or not he should be moved. On today’s episode of First Take, Smith offered his voice to that debate.

Stephen A. The Advisor

As you can see in the clip above, Stephen A. believes it is imperative that the Lakers keep Westbrook on the roster. This is because if they trade him, they could very well bring in pieces that mess with their cap space. However, if they keep Russ, they can let him walk in the offseason. Moreover, LeBron has already stated that the team is going to be just fine. In an interview with Michael Wilbon, the Lakers superstar made it clear that he thinks the team can make a deep run if healthy. Having said that, Smith thinks it is a good plan to just keep the roster as is.

For Lakers fans, this is the last thing they wanted to hear. For months, they have been calling for a Westbrook trade, and now, analysts are claiming they should keep things status quo. Although, it is ultimately up to Rob Pelinka in terms of what the Lakers will do a couple of days from now. Let us know what you want the purple and gold to do, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more updates from the NBA.

[Via]

Bomani Jones Learned From Stephen A. Smith When Asked To Compare Beyoncé And Rihanna While Previewing The Super Bowl

by
bomani jones game theory beyonce rihanna
Twitter

Now that the Grammys are out of the way, the biggest music event fans are looking forward to is the Super Bowl. Yes, there will be some football — maybe even some good football — but more importantly, Rihanna is performing at the Halftime Show after nearly seven years out of the limelight.

Naturally, this offers plentiful opportunities for discussion, but not everyone is equally suited to talk about the event. For instance, Stephen A Smith, the outspoken ESPN pundit, who asked about Rihanna’s upcoming performance and immediately when into sports talk mode to preemptively compare Rihanna’s performance to Beyoncé’s previous Super Bowl performances.

After he was lambasted by basically the entire internet he apologized, but that wasn’t enough for some — including Leslie Jones — and the whole escapade culminated with Smith having a minor meltdown on his own show, First Take, over it.

In what was perhaps a bit dedicated to ribbing his former ESPN colleague, HBO host Bomani Jones pretty pointedly sidestepped a similar faux pas on his own new show Game Theory. While his cue cards teed him up to answer the question of whether Rihanna could really outdo Beyoncé, Jones seemingly goes off on an unrelated tangent, bringing in Adam Silver and LeBron James, the BeyHive and the Navy, and Jalen Hurts, he jokingly plays both sides before lampshading the whole speech. “If this were a presidential debate,” he explained, “I’d have done what they do when they don’t wanna answer the question: I just started talking about some other sh*t.” Watch the hilarious bit below.

Stephen A. Smith & Jay Williams Get Heated Over Kyrie Irving: Watch

by

When it comes to the likes of Kyrie Irving, Stephen A. has been very critical over the years. Overall, Smith believes that Kyrie is one of the most talented players in the league. However, Smith also believes that Irving has wasted his talent by doing some boneheaded things. Whenever Kyrie messes up, Smith is one of the first people to criticize him. Although that is Smith’s job, some fans have found it bizarre that Stephen A. seemingly goes after Kyrie harder than any other athlete in the sports world.

Recently, Kyrie has been a huge topic of conversation for Smith on First Take. Of course, this is because Kyrie demanded a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Subsequently, the Nets were able to get rid of Kyrie as they sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, Kyrie will get to play alongside Luka Doncic, and fans are curious as to how it will pan out. As for Stephen A., he got to talk about Kyrie on First Take this morning. However, it turned out to be a heated endeavor for Smith as he faced off against fellow analyst and former NBA star, Jay Williams.

Stephen A. Vs. Jay Williams

As you can see from the clip above, it appears as though Williams doesn’t have much love for Smith. He accused Stephen A. of going harder on Kyrie than he does any other athlete. Moreover, he felt as though Smith’s criticisms are hypocritical at times. Smith was not having any of this and got heated, telling Williams that he wasn’t saying anything of interest. This led to a highly-contentious back and forth in which Williams called Stephen A. “triggered.” Overall, it felt very personal, and even Molly Qerim noted it as such. Needless to say, Williams may not be coming back to the show, anytime soon.

Kyrie is someone who always seems to invite these kinds of hot takes. Smith is certainly not the first person to criticize Irving, and he will not be the last. Regardless, it is clear that Stephen A. has rubbed some the wrong way, and that was evident this morning. Having said that, let us know whose side you are taking, in the comments down below.

[Via]