Stephen A. Smith has carved out a legendary media career by debating some of the hottest takes ever seen by a sports analyst. It’s not solely the takes though, that set him apart from his counterparts; it’s also the manner he justifies them. Those who follow his renowned show, First Take, are aware of his eternal love for the New York Knicks.
Season after season, he has urged his team to chase star players, but to no avail. Russell Westbrook is the most recent example.
Stephen A. Smith:
“I’d give up everybody on the Knicks for Russell Westbrook.”
(via @ESPN)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 9, 2022
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Smith has witnessed his team stay buried in the mud for years. But despite all the controversies and poor performances, he has remained loyal to his beloved team. He was not always treated justly by the Knicks, but never did his commitment to the team dwindle.
The analyst might be tired of his enthusiasm being met with indifference, but he wants those sensations to be replaced by a project centered around Russell Westbrook. The point guard fell victim to a myriad of criticism this season. Failure to establish a foothold in Los Angeles, as well as the Lakers’ failure to even make the Play-in, fueled the backlash.
Darvin Ham, however, as the new Los Angeles Lakers coach, has already discussed the matter surrounding Westbrook. He confirmed that the Lakers want to bring him back for next season.
“Don’t get it messed up. Russ is one of the best players out league has ever seen.”
New Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has high praise for Russell Westbrook during his introductory press conference. pic.twitter.com/DCvKowxmus
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) June 6, 2022
But here’s Stephen A. Smith, who wants his beloved Knicks to do everything in their power to acquire Westbrook’s talents.
Stephen A. Smith wants the Knicks to move heaven and earth for Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook wasn’t a good fit for the LA Lakers this season. But, with Darvin Ham at the helm, he believes the star-studded trifecta of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis can work wonders.
Do you agree on how Coach Darvin Ham will make Russell Westbrook work on the Lakers?
Listen to the exclusive interview on the ESPN LA APP📲
App Store: https://t.co/4X9NLIctnZ
Google Play: https://t.co/3D16glrW7o pic.twitter.com/83l10haC5Q— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) June 7, 2022
But his work ethic and confidence are well known, as he was there at a recent press conference to support the appointment of their new head coach.
READ MORE: Millionaire Shaquille O?Neal Reveals Using Sneaky ?Fast Food? Tactic to Please His Women
Smith stated the following in response to Westbrook’s?excitement for new head coach Darvin Ham.
?I?m gonna tell Russell Westbrook now on national television. I?m gonna show my support for Russell Westbrook. I am gonna validate it right in front of y?all. I?d give up everybody for him with the Knicks. LA might not be the ideal for him but somewhere else where that energy, that tenacity, that athleticism. I?d take Russell Westbrook in a Knicks uniform today.???
Stephen A. Smith later confessed that he was being a touch selfish, as he desires something on the Knicks to sing and cheer about. But Westbrook on the Knicks won’t be that bad of an idea.
Trade rumors centered around Russell Westbrook have flown since the Lakers fell out of playoff contention. The New York Knicks are a young team consisting of players with elephantine potential. While unlocking the potential of these young players will be the Knicks’ top priority, Westbrook is “must-see-TV”.
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After the atrocities of this season, he desperately needs some fresh air. Mr Triple Double mode will be triggered yet again and Westbrook will get the opportunity to be that monster. And the Knicks will benefit enormously from having a superstar alongside their promising young core.
On this day in 2017, Russell Westbrook did this.
Don't take greatness for granted. pic.twitter.com/Da5Aq8WEFL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2022
The team, however, must be cautious about the weapons they surrender for a $47 million contract for a player who will enter free agency next season.
Stephen A. Smith’s desire left fans on Twitter puzzled
Many fans on Twitter were caught off guard by the NBA analyst’s above-mentioned desire.
This can’t be real
— cliffymsg_20 (@CliffyMSG20) June 9, 2022
Give up an entire young core for an aging athletic point guard. Nice.
— S2K (@Switch2Knife) June 9, 2022
https://twitter.com/RJ4AllStar2023/status/1534731294697050112
This is where we all say goodbye to Stephen A Smith
— Boston Knick (@BostonKnick) June 9, 2022
Bro got bullied into a dumb take by JJ and CJ pic.twitter.com/nOJ9UcfM3x
— Heavenly Buckets on youtube (@HeavenlyBuckets) June 9, 2022
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Come on SA, that's not true. You really don't feel that way, I think you're in your emotions right now.
— Andre Levingston (@drelevingston) June 9, 2022
Wasn’t he just disrespecting Russell Westbrook all year
— Britney (@TwinBritney) June 9, 2022
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https://twitter.com/SenseiMing1/status/1534777015466962944