“Where Was That Energy When He Was Alive”: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Slammed for Going After Kobe Bryant’s Legacy

Stephen A. Smith’s comment on Kobe Bryant‘s legacy remains one of the most contentious topics. Just months ago, the ESPN analyst was in the headlines after he snubbed the Black Mamba from his top 5 of all time. Now, just a few hours, a former NBA lottery pick criticized the 56-year-old for his comments on Bryant’s achievements.

Rashad McCants never played alongside Kobe. But he has already been stating his case for Bryant being the greatest of all time (GOAT). The former Minnesota Timberwolves player recently sat for a candid conversation with Gilbert Arenas at the Gils Arenas show, during which he blasted the ESPN veteran. McCants voiced his disapproval of Smith’s remark on Bryant. He argued on why the analyst never made any comment on Bryant’s legacy when he was alive.

Previously, Smith described how the Lakers’ three-peat “came with Shaq“. Furthermore, he stated that because he had prime Shaquille O’Neal for most of his rings, “Kobe Bryant is not the second greatest player in NBA history” and “not the greatest Laker of all time“. Smith ended his statement by expressing his respect for the Black Mamba and expressing that he is undoubtedly in his top 10.

Speaking of Smith’s controversial comment on Kobe Bryant, Rashad McCants said, “You didn’t had that energy when he was here. Where was that energy when he was alive. Stop bringing this man who passed to extend your narrative.” He added, “Let the man rest. Let’s keep him wherever everyone has him.”

McCants explained how Bryant’s career doesn’t need to be dissected or diminished to make any other basketball player’s career more impressive. After all, Smith’s comments came in support of him placing LeBron James at #2 over Kobe Bryant. For those who don’t know Smith has long proclaimed Michael Jordan as the #1 greatest player in NBA history.

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Well, Rashad McCants isn’t the only one to go nuclear on Smith. The veteran analyst once even got under the skin of Kobe himself.

Kobe Bryant once sent a voice message that scared Stephen A. Smith 

During his appearance on the ‘Howard Stern Show,’ Smith explained how Kobe Bryant once “scared the living sh*t out of” him. 

He recalled how the Black Mamba was disappointed by one of his comments on his game on live TV. Following this, Smith immediately received a voice message from the Los Angeles Lakers legend that scared him.

“You know who this is motherf*ker. Get your a* up, pick up the f*king phone, and call me back. That bullsh*t you just said,” recounted Smith of Bryant’s message. He added, “And don’t keep me waiting. Your a** better not go on the air and say some other sh*t before you talk to me.”

Well, one would think that the message would have made Smith wary of his comments. But even in 2024, the 56-year-old continues being one of the most divisive voices in sport. What do you think about Stephen A. Smith’s ranking of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments section below.

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