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via Imago

via Imago

When it comes to the relationship between Larsa Pippen and Michael Jordan’s son, Stephen A. Smith has a clear side. He’s team MJ. The ‘LarCus’ romance has been contentious among Twitterati for many reasons. Apart from the 16-year age gap, it’s also because Larsa’s ex-husband was the teammate of Marcus’ dad. Moreover, said teammates have fallen out since?The Last Dance?dropped. It’s compounded by Larsa taking her ex-husband’s NBA earnings in the divorce.

Larsa and Marcus don’t have a direct connection to the sports scene. Regardless, Stephen A. Smith has always found a way to make everything about them.

ESPN veteran slams haters of Michael Jordan’s son

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Wedding bells are almost ringing for Larsa and Marcus. While they’re not officially engaged, they have been dropping major hints that it’s happening. Marcus stated he wants his dad to be his best man. Meanwhile, Larsa said she’s not averse to marriage after her bitter divorce from Scottie Pippen. The couple will also be front and center in the new season of?The Real Housewives of Miami, marking Marcus’ reality TV debut.

WATCH THIS STORY | ?Shot Over Some Shoes?: Michael Jordan-Related Crime Led to Strict 1-Word Safety Prohibition for Celtics Legend

Ever since the wedding rumors began swirling, fans have upped the ante. While they don’t necessarily have to give this couple their blessing, they seemingly don’t want to accept that Larsa will be part of the Jordan family. Smith doesn’t stand for it. “The brother is 32. He ain’t two,” he said about Marcus. He heatedly stated that no one can dictate his relationship choices.

And for those who are picking sides in the Jordan-Pippen feud, Smith demanded that it has nothing to do with Marcus since he didn’t win six champions with the Chicago Bulls.

Smith’s points are similar to what His Airness apparently told Marcus. The younger MJ revealed that his father said that he’s a “grown adult” and he’ll be happy with whatever he decides.

Smith defends Michael Jordan’s disapproval

Previously Michael Jordan seemingly disapproved of their relationship with a resounding “No” when asked in public.

Smith also slammed that behavior. “When I speak to Michael Jordan, I don’t ask him such things. Ain’t none of my damn business.” As he said, it’s not even Mike’s job to tell Marcus if he can or can’t date Larsa. So when people drag Jordan into Marcus and Larsa gossip, Smith can’t stand it. And that’s why he’s not on Scottie Pippen’s side either.

Scottie claims The Last Dance portrayed him in poor light. Some would claim he’s lashing out at Michael to get back at Larsa for winning his NBA 401k and dating Michael’s son. He’s, however, not commented on Larsa’s relationship to confirm these rumors. But Smith took a go at him for slandering Jordan too. While Smith makes a valid point, he isn’t always this merciful to LarCus.

Stephen A. Smith drew a line with Larsa Pippen

With the marriage talk surrounding Marcus and Larsa, Smith is supporting Marcus’ right with anyone. In July, he felt Larsa went out of bounds.

Again, she [Larsa] was around. I don?t care what man you are, when you are dating someone, even if you don?t want them anymore, you don?t want to see them in your face with somebody else you tight with. You don?t want to see that, that?s too close to home. There?s certain lines you don?t cross,??the sportcaster said.

He said that as Scottie and Michael were teammates, they were as good as family. And he’s also the father of her children, which means he and Larsa will always be connected as co-parents. He somewhat blamed her for the rift between the former teammates. Until then, Smith had ignored the couple, even when they made their relationship official in 2021.

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His attacks were solely focused on Scottie and every comment he made at the Black Cat. In July, he snapped and went after Larsa too. “You know that when you knew?Jordan, you was?Pippen’s woman and the mother of his children,” said?Smith. “So for you to transition from that to dating his son, is at the very least uncomfortable.

But Larsa has dismissed the cringe claims that she was “around” and knew Michael Jordan’s son as a child. Marcus was born in 1990 and Larsa and Scottie married in 1997. Apparently, the Pippens and Jordans didn’t interact much outside the games. She claimed she only met Marcus in 2019 and they began dating after her divorce was finalized in 2021.

Stephen A. comments on the Pippen name

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Born Larsa Younan, she’s been known for most of her public life as Larsa Pippen and it’s the name she shares with her children. The reality star broached the subject of dropping the Pippen surname for Jordan when she takes the plunge with Marcus. If you asked Stephen A. Smith, she should’ve done that long ago.

READ MORE: Once Shunned by Michael Jordan, RHOM Star Larsa Pippen’s New Tagline Sounds Like Something MJ Would Say

The former Mrs. Pippen did not care. Matter of fact, she didn?t even care enough, that I am wondering why she still has his name, Pippen. Why hasn?t she changed it? Give people the opportunity to forget that you were Scottie Pippen?s wife,” exclaimed the 56-year-old.

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It appears that Smith has a disdain for all things Pippen. Because he’s suddenly fine with the potential of Larsa becoming a Jordan. This commentary though is not completely one-sided. The scandal-laden couple also took jabs at him.

Now Marcus’ reality TV debut is upon us with the premiere of?RHOM?season 6. We’re going to see a Jordan – if not?the?Jordan – like never seen before. With their relationship now showcased under the Bravo lens, fans are going to scrutinize every minutiae. And even if he claims it’s not his business, so is Stephen A. Smith.