“Where was this when he was alive?” Stephen A. Smith called out for talking trash about Kobe Bryant after Lakers great passed away by ex-NBA player

Smith did not rank Kobe Bryant as his second greatest player in NBA history.

“Where was this when he was alive?” Stephen A. Smith called out for talking trash about Kobe Bryant after Lakers great passed away by ex-NBA player

L-R: Stephen A. Smith, Kobe Bryant and Rashad McCants (Credits: CNBC/WWD/BI)

Stephen A. Smith is a seasoned NBA analyst who occasionally expresses controversial opinions, so it’s unsurprising that he recently shared one. That will undoubtedly infuriate supporters of the Black Mamba, though. The 56-year-old TV personality claimed that Kobe Bryant is not the second-greatest player in his opinion in one of the most recent episodes of the Stephen A. Smith Show.

Kobe never played with Rashad McCants. However, he has previously made his case for Kobe’s status as GOAT.

During a recent open discussion with Gilbert Arenas at the Gils Arenas show, the former player for the Minnesota Timberwolves criticized the ESPN veteran. McCants expressed his displeasure with Smith’s statement about Bryant. He argued that the analyst should have said something about Bryant’s legacy during his lifetime.

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Rashad McCants said via Gils Arenas show, 

So when I hear Stephen A. going off on these rants about how Kobe Bryant is not this and not that. You didn't have the energy when he was here. Where was the energy when he was alive? Stop bringing this man for your narrative.

However, Smith acknowledged that Kobe is definitely among his top 10 players and concluded by conveying gratitude to the player.

McCants clarified that to elevate the career of any other basketball player, Kobe’s needs need not be examined or minimized. Ultimately, Smith’s remarks validated his ranking of LeBron James at number two, surpassing Kobe Bryant. For those unaware, Smith has consistently declared Michael Jordan the best player in NBA history.

Stephen Smith talked about how LeBron James is better than Kobe Bryant

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith currently discussed why he doesn’t consider the late Kobe Bryant to be the second-greatest NBA player of all time in the ongoing debate. Stephen A. Smith discussed how LeBron James‘s athleticism and career statistics pale in comparison to Kobe Bryant’s, pointing out that LeBron has surpassed him in all categories save for the number of rings won.

Stephen A Smith, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Stephen A. Smith, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James (Credits: Lakers outside, People Magazine and Bleacher Report)

Smith said, 

Kobe Bryant is not the second greatest player in the NBA history. The stats don't equal LeBron James, He's got more rings, but we can't ignore the first three cam with Shaq in his prime.

He did bring up the All-Star players LeBron James collaborated with to win titles. However, Smith focused on the reality that James lacked the assistance of a prime Shaquille O’Neal when it came to his on-court performance.

Several players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving, grew up idolizing Kobe’s style of play. Thus, Kobe Bryant remains at least a contender for a second place in the GOAT debate, even though LeBron James is the clear favorite.

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