"Stop lying"- Stephen A. Smith calls out Shaquille O'Neal for saying he wouldn't play for a JJ Redick-type coach
Stephen A. Smith called out NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal for his recent statements about newly appointed LA Lakers coach JJ Redick. Smith responded to the comments made by O'Neal on "The Big Podcast with Shaq" in July.
The four-time NBA champion talked about Redick needing to gain the respect of all his players. He also said that he wouldn't play for a coach who he used to play against just four or five years ago.
Smith fired back at O'Neal on the "Stephen A. Smith" show:
"Stop lying," Smith said. "Cuz they would be paying you and you know that check was in the mail, you'd play. Stop that big boy, you know I know better than that."
Smith then called JJ Redick as one of the greatest basketball players to play at the collegiate level. He added that Redick was a 15-year veteran in the NBA and knows the game of basketball well. As per Smith, Lakers players won't question their new coach's knowledge of the game.
However, the ESPN analyst also threw shade on Redick's appointment. He stayed firm on his belief that Lakers superstar LeBron James was involved in Redick's hiring.
Shaquille O'Neal asks Stephen A. Smith to thank him during $25 million salary negotiations
Shaquille O'Neal asked Stephen A. Smith to thank him for the success he has achieved in his career. Smith is reportedly in talks with ESPN for a $25 million deal.
"I remember when he signed for $10 million and he was doing a great job. I wish him well and I hope he can make all the money he can make. But he needs to thank me," Shaq said on The Big Podcast.
Smith has been a well-known figure in the basketball world. He often finds himself surrounded by controversies or heated debates due to his hot takes. However, Smith has worked his way up the ladder through hard work.
Brought up in Queens, Smith played Division II basketball at Winston-Salem State but a serious knee injury shattered his hopes of pursuing a career in professional basketball. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and worked for reputed media outlets such as the New York Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Eventually, he found his way into working at ESPN and has become one of the most popular analysts today.