Matt Barnes lit up Stephen A. Smith on Friday following the ESPN analyst’s criticism of LeBron James for the LA Lakers superstar’s comments about the Memphis Grizzlies.
James was a guest of “Bob Does Sports” on Thursday. During the interview, which happened on a golf course, the four-time MVP said that he wouldn’t want to go to Memphis on a “random-a** Thursday.” James added that the Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville.
Early on Friday, Stephen A. Smith called out LeBron James for those comments. The analyst said that the “optics” weren’t good as James was with a “bunch of white dudes” on a golf course. Smith continued that the NBA superstar did not have “any regard for what kind of effect that would have on the Black populace.
Matt Barnes responded to Smith’s rant:
“I played in Memphis, got a lot of love for the city, but there’s no doubt that the city needs an upgrade when it comes to facilities for pro players. But Stephen A., you shouldn’t have a problem with that.”
Barnes continued:
“You’re talking about (James) words and what they mean to the Black community. But you’ve been the same man in front of the camera for the last handful of months disrespecting Serena Williams, disrespecting Jasmine Crockett, disrespecting Kamala Harris and tap dancing for the whole white Republican Party but you got an issue with LeBron talking about a trending topic.”
Stephen A. Smith said that LeBron James made good points in his comments. However, the “First Take” host added that James was too “flippant” when talking about the city and how the franchise should move to Nashville.
Smith continued that James does work for the Black community, particularly in Akron, Ohio, but the NBA superstar’s comments about Memphis needed to be called out.
Still, Matt Barnes’ called Smith’s comments “bulls**t,” adding they wouldn’t forget him calling out LeBron James.
Fans React to Matt Barnes Slamming Stephen A. Smith’s Response to LeBron James’ Comments About Memphis and Grizzlies
Matt Barnes’ fiery response to Stephen A. Smith’s reaction to LeBron James’ comments about the Memphis Grizzlies went viral. One fan reacted:
“MB really went for the jugular with this one. SAS is definitely going to have a 20-minute monologue ready for tomorrow morning.”
Another fan added:
“I think Stephen A forgot who he was lol. A black man told him to his face a white man was more black than he was.”
One more fan continued:
“Preach! @stephenasmith yapping like he honky! Good for Matt.”
Another fan commented:
“Barnes attacks are weak. Get em Stephen A!”
One fan tweeted:
“Stephen A. Smith was 100% correct calling out LeBron.”
Smith is not known for backing down from verbal feuds on social media. He recently hammered Josh Hart after the New York Knicks guard defended his teammate Mikal Bridges from Smith’s criticism.
Nobody would be surprised if Smith goes full blast on Barnes for the former Grizzlies player’s response to his criticism of LeBron James.
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