*Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to heated debates, but his recent stance on LeBron James has rattled fans of the NBA superstar, including Twitch star Kai Cenat.
Cenat joined First Take which accused Smith of being a LeBron hater. The drama began after James made a pointed statement following a Lakers win against the Timberwolves. He suggested that young players should think twice before wanting to be the face of the NBA due to relentless negativity from analysts and commentators. The next day, Smith appeared on “First Take” and went on a lengthy rant, reinforcing the very type of criticism James was referring to.
Yet, fast-forward to this week, and Smith seemingly reversed course —this time praising the Lakers star’s historic longevity. With LeBron playing at an MVP level in his 22nd NBA season, the veteran ESPN host declared that the GOAT debate between James and Michael Jordan should be over—implying that LeBron’s NBA journey puts him ahead.
But Kai wasn’t buying it. He called Smith out over the sudden change of heart.
“When it comes to LeBron James, you start hating. That’s how I feel. Because I feel like you’re more of an older generation type of dude,” Cenat argued. “You like Michael Jordan, cool. Listen, every time when there’s a debate going on with Michael Jordan and LeBron James you’ve always got something to say about LBJ. I’m here to say LeBron is better than Jordan, I said it.”
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Kai Cenat goes after Stephen A. Smith
“When it comes to LeBron James, you start hating. That’s how I feel. Because I feel like you’re more of an older generation type of dude.”
(? @FirstTake / h/t @awfulannouncing )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 6, 2025
Cenat continued, “Michael Jordan ain’t never had 50,000 points. … LeBron James is 40 years old and he’s performing better than half the people in the league. Do you understand that? Do you understand the greatness that’s going on right now?”
Some fans may agree with Cenat’s argument, but Smith quickly dismissed it, calling Kai a “whippersnapper,” and criticizing him for saying LeBron is better than Jordan. Watch the moment via the X post above.
Meanwhile, amid all the basketball debates, Smith inked a new contract with ESPN worth at least $100 million over five years, according to sources cited by The Athletic.
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