Stephen A. Smith catching strays! He is well known for his controversial and candid takes. But what do you think about his style of commentary? The ESPN analyst is often a bit over-excited when he explains his theories and opinions on TV. In fact, he sometimes appears to be arguing, even when he isn’t. While that has led to him becoming the highest-paid analyst on ESPN, kids might see it differently. Understandably, the son of a former NBA player found Smith’s style hilarious and even mimicked it in an adorable way.

It’s rare, but Richard Jefferson occasionally brings his kids to work. This time also, his son joined him on an episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast. He watched as Kendrick Perkins argued about why people love watching him on Road Trippin’ rather than on ESPN. To Perkins’ relief, Channing Frye reminded him, “Because you don’t have to argue on here.” Jefferson’s son, Phoenix, quickly chimed in, bringing in Stephen A. Smith.

“Like Stephen A. does,” he said. He went on to mimic Smith and at the end dramatically threw away his toy that he held in hand in the air, leaving everyone in stitches. Alongside his father, Phoenix often watches ESPN and Stephen A. Smith. However, instead of focusing on basketball insights, Phoenix found Smith’s animated communication style more entertaining as Jefferson revealed.

“I watched in the morning. And it’s just like, they’re yelling at us while I’m cooking eggs. He’s yelling at us while I’m cooking eggs about something. They’re like, ‘Daddy, Daddy, he’s aggressive.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah yeah yeah he is,’” the former NBA star shared. The post shared on Road Trippin’s official IG post is captioned, “Hey @stephenasmith … you even got the kids fired up!” This comes at a time when reports are swirling about Smith being offered a historic 6-year, $120 million to stay with ESPN.

With ESPN’s broadcasting set to change following the new NBA TV Rights deal kicking in next season, Smith wasn’t expected to be as hot a commodity as he was a few years ago. Especially considering his once rivals, TNT’s Inside the NBA, would be moving to ESPN as well. However, that seems to have been sorted out now with the reports of the network offering him a stunning deal. Coming back to Jefferson, though, this wasn’t the only time kids joined him at work.

During commentary for a matchup between Arizona and UCLA, Jefferson’s son was spotted having fun, making bunny ears behind the retired NBA player’s head. Another kid kept smiling on screen as RJ struggled to keep a straight face and continue his work. A similar scene was seen on NBA Today.

Stephen A. Smith wanted ESPN to suspend Richard Jefferson 

In the absence of Smith, Jefferson had to take over on NBA Today. And he brought his kids along, too. It was a special day for the kids, and they even chose the outfit for their father. However, the burgundy color of his suit didn’t sit well with Smith, who was enjoying his vacation.

Taking to social media, Smith immediately expressed his disapproval. “Good Lord. I’m sitting here on vacation, minding my damn business, relaxing while watching @ESPNNBA. And I’m damn-near blinded by this jacket @Rjeff24 is wearing. A suspension should be discussed just for him wearing that on-air,” Stephen A. wrote on social media. Jefferson’s response was simple: “Well, keep minding your business.”

His post on X was discussed in the next segment. Later, the retired NBA player explained that he was only being a good dad. “Stephen A., I’m just being a good father and letting my kids pick – and you got something to say about that, bro?” Jefferson said.

While Jefferson’s son only mimicked Smith because he found it amusing, the entire exchange was hilarious to viewers, who flooded the comments with funny responses. Now that Phoenix has pointed it out, Smith’s unique commentary style definitely stands out. Whether that’s good or bad is for you to decide.