Stephen A. Smith is never the type to keep his thoughts to himself. After all, it's literally his job to speak his mind at every opportunity possible. In a recent episode of First Take, the ESPN host had some not-so-nice things to say about Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Smith appears to have met his match in JJ Redick, though, who had an epic clap back that pretty much left Stephen A. at a loss for words.
For starters, Smith expressed his belief about how LeBron never struck fear into the hearts of his opponents. Stephen A. claims that the Lakers superstar is âprofoundly respectedâ around the league, but that he has never been feared (h/t First Take on Twitter):
"In my estimation, from the people that I've spoken to covering the league, [LeBron] has never been feared. ⌠With LeBron, you believe you can take him. You believe he can be had."
â@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/F4Xd28Z8Zd
â First Take (@FirstTake) November 23, 2021
Redick was having none of Smith's slander and he immediately called out the renowned broadcaster. Redick's retorts were so on point that Smith appeared to have been left speechless for a brief period:




JJ Reddick just told @stephenasmith, "I dont know if you actually believe what you are saying!" Then SAS tried to say, when you watch the game.. JJ said, No, I played the game, Im telling you that you are wrong"
They gonna get rid of him like Max Kellerman. #FirstTake pic.twitter.com/0wydLfKPVQ
â HGIC (@HGIC_) November 23, 2021
JJ had to bring out the I-played-the-game card to prove his point. Clearly, the former LA Clippers sharpshooter is not buying the narrative about LeBron failing to command fear from around the league.
For once, it looks like Stephen A. Smith met his match in JJ Redick.