“You’ve Lost Your Damn Mind”: Tempers Flared as Stephen A. Smith Forced Harsh Michael Jordan Reality Only to Insult Millionaire

Stephen A. Smith is hands down the most well-known NBA analyst on TV currently. He is famous for his rants and for giving brutally honest takes on ESPN’s First Take. He was recently a guest on NBA star Paul George’s podcast where he revealed a time when he ruthlessly insulted LeBron James’ millionaire agent by giving him a Michael Jordan reality check.

Stephen A. has been part of the media industry for well over a decade now. It’s not just his takes as a basketball analyst, but also his unique oration that sets him apart from everyone else. The 55-year-old has got a loyal fanbase which he has built on his own by being absolutely unapologetic in front of the television camera.

Stephen A. Smith insults a multi-millionaire

The debate of who’s the greatest player of all time has been going around for a long time. Many think that no one comes close to the legendary Michael Jordan, but there are a few who are convinced that LeBron James has done enough to take the title away from His Airness. But Smith thinks otherwise.

In a conversation with Paul George, Stephen A. recalled the time when he met with LeBron’s agent and the two got into an argument over his take on him calling James the second greatest of all time, behind MJ. Smith gave LeBron his due credit by lauding him as a great father, a great businessman, and an even better player. But Paul got annoyed when he didn’t give the title of the GOAT to the 4x champion. 

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Smith said, “I got him ahead of Kareem. I got him behind no one but Jordan. And I said you act like that’s an insult. This dude (Rich Paul), ‘It is an insult’ I said, ‘Get the f–k out of my face.'” He added, “Have you lost your damn mind?” Rich Paul has been in LeBron’s camp for as long as anyone can remember and has become one of the most highly sought-after agents in the league currently.

Paul makes sure his clients are taken of and it was on full display when free agency opened last month. The 41-year-old brokered deals worth $400 million in just the early days of free agency and earned praise from fans for doing so. While Stephen A. won’t put LeBron over MJ no matter what, an NBA legend was willing to do so had things gone a certain way last postseason.

Charles Barkley on the Michael Jordan-LeBron James debate

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley once went against Stephen A. Smith after the ESPN analyst stated LeBron had no chance of claiming the title of the GOAT. Barkley shared a very close relationship with MJ up until a decade back and even faced off against him multiple times. So he is in a good position to make the judgment.

Barkley in 2021 said, “I’m going to be blasphemous for a minute. If LeBron James can get this team to the championship, three straight rounds on the road in the West, and then beat whoever comes out of the East, we’re going to have a serious conversation after that.” 

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While LeBron and his Los Angeles Lakers managed to win two rounds on the road in the West, they couldn’t overcome the eventual champions Denver Nuggets. So, for now, Barkley and Smith remain on the same page about who their GOAT is.