Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s most scrutinized stars, recently engaged in a public exchange about Stephen A. Smith. It began when the sportscaster commented on the Phoenix Suns’ apparent lack of confidence in Durant, posting his opinion in a clip on X. He questioned KD’s ability to inspire his teammates. The hooper was quick to respond, voicing his disagreement, and later called Smith a “clown” in a statement to The Athletic, cross-questioning why Smith speaks about him without attending his practices or games.

In response, the popular media personality addressed Kevin Durant’s remarks on First Take, acknowledging the veteran’s talent and character. “He’s a 2x champion, a 2x league, and finals MVP. And I’ve been on the record saying he’s also a good dude,” Smith said.

He continued, “So if he wants to resort to that level, even though we’re both grown men and if he had something to say, he knows my number … if he refrains from doing so, that’s what he has to live with,” advising the Slim Reaper to “act like a grown-up.”

Then he called out KD for lying, “Kevin Durant, could you stop lying, please? I’ve been an NBA reporter, and I was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer as well.” The senior sportscaster also explained why he hasn’t been able to attend practices and other happenings- “I happen to have a hit show that’s been #1 for 12 years. I have other things to do with my time. I go to games all the time. I’ve got I’m not a beat writer anymore.”

This is actually correct. While he’s currently negotiating his new deal with ESPN, the hooper’s responsibilities have grown with time and he cannot be present everywhere. Apart from that, ‘The Stephen A Smith Show’ on YouTube has also garnered 895K subs!

During his response to Kevin Durant, however, Stephen A. Smith also raised a broader and valid question, that’s been sparking conversation: “Who’s allowed to talk about him?” His remarks come in light of KD’s recent clashes with various figures in sports media, including Charles Barkley, Shannon Sharpe, and current players like CJ McCollum, all of whom have faced Durant’s criticism.

The Stephen A. Smith vs Kevin Durant beef just doesn’t end!

Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith have been going at each other for a long time now. So much so that it has almost become a yearly tradition between the two. Before the recent remarks we just talked about, they went at each other when Smith said, “I don’t question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant… When you are that great… you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown.” Questioning KD’s ability to lead. To which the Suns star responded, “I would disagree, Stephen. I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent,” stating that he has the leadership to match his game.

However, even this wasn’t the first time the two took shots at each other. Back in 2022, they had a heated exchange when Smith said if the Nets don’t win the championship, KD will be remembered as the guy who left Steph Curry to play with Kyrie Irving rather than for his championships and MVP titles. To which Durant replied, “Egregious”. Later Smith doubled down and KD was even more unhappy and replied “If u believe this is what my career is defined by then you just a flat-out hater. It’s gonna be hard to box the god in.” 

The beef goes even back in time in 2015 when Stephen A. Smith said that if Kevin Durant did not return to OKC Thunder, then the LA Lakers would’ve been his destination. To which the Slim Reaper replies that no one close to him speaks to Smith, and he is a liar!

One thing that is clear from all of these faceoffs is that if you speak something about KD, he will likely call you out, especially if you’re Stephen A. Smith. Only time will tell if Durant will respond to the latest reply in this saga, which does not seem to end anytime soon.