Ever wondered why ESPN’s veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith seems to have a chip on his shoulder when it comes to former NBA player JJ Redick? Ever since JJ Redick has become one of the key analysts of ESPN, their long-time media personality, Stephen A. Smith has been quite reluctant towards the former NBA player. After his retirement, Redick started his journey in the media industry by setting up his podcast. Quite surprisingly, his podcast, the Old Man and the Three, gained a significant amount of views in a short span. In less than a year, Redick made it to the First Take table.

Redick also became part of ESPN’s broadcast team, commentating alongside Doris Burke in the NBA Finals. In the midst of all of this, strong rumors were suggesting that Redick would be the Lakers’ next head coach after they let go of their entire coaching staff following the early postseason exit.  However, following the recent dismissal of Monty Williams from the Pistons, the Lakers now have yet another prospect to look out for. “I know we’ve been talking a lot about JJ Redick. But with Monty Williams available, that is a situation that the Los Angeles Lakers should look at. Obviously Jeanie Buss, you know how much I love Jeanie Buss, I’m rooting for her to find the right person for the job.”, said Stephen A.

This does clear up some fog around the rumor that Stephen A is repulsive towards Redick. However, the back story behind this rumor comes after LeBron and Redick’s podcast, which wasn’t acknowledged by Stephen A. Being a former NBA player, Redick’s perspective on most takes comes purely from his 15-year experience in the league.

On the other hand, fans have accused Stephen A of hating on Redick. Recently, Smith said that numerous coaches approached him, expressing their issues with LeBron and Redick’s podcast. Regardless, it did seem that Stephen A. himself does not fully acknowledge Redick’s podcast.

Twitteratis bashed Stephen A for his agenda against Redick

Hours before the Celtics were crowned champions, Stephen A was talking about LeBron and the Lakers. The analyst claimed that it wasn’t right of the two to start the podcast knowing the locker room situation in LA. Fans did not hesitate to state that Stephen A was indeed against Redick this whole time.

One of the fans believed Smith to be ‘salty’ because of JJ’s strong statements in any take.

Meanwhile one of the Twitteratis said that Stephen A’s podcast wasn’t better than Redick’s which was why he was complaining in the first place.

Some of the fans did not care to hesitate, stating that Redick, “Tried to send him where he sent Max”, referring to Max Kellerman leaving ESPN.

Another fan believed Stephen A to be jealous of Redick.

It has been a constant reluctance from Stephen A. whenever there is news related to Redick. Not only that, but his recent comments on Jeanie Buss finding the ‘right person’ for the job did seem that Smith wouldn’t want to see Redick on the sidelines. Regardless, it will be interesting to see who the Lakers go with, as their search has come down to stronger candidates.

Who do you think should be the Lakers’ next head coach? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA stars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.