Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

IShowSpeed, the internet sensation whose eccentric antics have earned him over 100 million followers, never shies away from bold challenges. From racing Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles to sparring with boxing legends like Manny Pacquiao, Speed thrives on pushing boundaries. But even he knows that challenging Kevin Durant—one of the most skilled players ever—is no small feat!

During his latest appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe wasted no time prodding and probing the 19-year-old whether he thinks he would be able to beat the ‘Slim Reaper’ one-on-one.

Speed, for his part, held his own as he recounted a unique encounter with KD. While the two did not go head-to-head in a traditional one-on-one game, they squared off in a game of HORSE. Unsurprisingly, the 2x champ’s finesse and accuracy secured him the win. Speed didn’t shy away from answering boldly when asked whether he could beat Durant in a one-on-one matchup.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“Listen, I could beat KD … if it’s a full-court one vs. one, because of my speed. But half-court, yeah, he got it. But if it’s a full court one v one, I’m like running. Yeah, he won’t,” Speed declared, suggesting his athleticism would be his trump card.

via Getty

However, Sharpe was quick to point out the impracticality of full-court one-on-one games, a scenario rarely seen in basketball culture. Seeing as there was no way out of this, the popular YouTuber switched to a different angle. “I mean, KD is six-foot-10 or six-11. I’m five-nine. Let’s be realistic now, Shannon,” he remarked to laughs from the former 8x Pro Bowler.

‘Realistic’ and IShowSpeed don’t really belong in the same sentence. And Sharpe was obviously referring to that when he responded, “You just said you could outrun the fastest man! You didn’t want to be realistic!” 

But it seems that the NFL analyst did take Speed’s words to heart, as his next opponent for Speed was none other than Bronny James. And interestingly enough, IShowSpeed seems to have experience squaring off with the Lakers rookie.

After the insane Kevin Durant claim, IShowSpeed believes he can take on Bronny James

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In fact, the $10 million-worth streamer recounts a past instance where he did indeed beat Bronny in a one-on-one game. He claimed this supposed victory occurred when he was 16 during a game in Los Angeles, adding that he could repeat the feat if given another chance.

“Yes, I believe I can beat him. … I think we played one time before when I was 16. … I beat him and I think I can beat him again. We played before back in LA and I’ll beat him in a 1v1,” Speed stated confidently. We don’t have to tell you that this comes at a time when the former Trojan continues to adjust to the NBA life.

via Imago

While the expectations for James Jr. remain high, his rookie campaign has been anything but smooth. Between intense media scrutiny and the transition to professional basketball, Bronny James has his plate full. Even so, the idea of a rematch between the two—whether on a court or in the realm of content creation—would undoubtedly draw attention.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While the veracity of his stories might be up for debate, their entertainment value is undeniable. In an era where sports and social media intersect like never before, Speed’s antics ensure that his name remains in the conversation—whether fans take him seriously or not.