The Five Biggest Revelations Stephen A. Smith Has Made About His Relationship With Kobe Bryant

The dynamic between sports personality Stephen A. Smith and the late, great Kobe Bryant was one of the most compelling and often contentious relationships in modern basketball journalism. For years, Smith’s commentary on ESPN’s *First Take* fueled passionate debates, but the true depth of his personal bond with the Los Angeles Lakers legend remained largely out of the public eye.

However, in recent months, especially with the release of his memoir, *Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes*, Smith has pulled back the curtain, revealing intimate details, painful regrets, and intense conversations that redefine how fans view their connection. As of today, December 12, 2025, these fresh revelations, including a major public apology for a factual error, have placed the Smith-Kobe narrative back at the center of the NBA world, giving us a clearer picture of the Mamba behind the media shield.

Stephen A. Smith: Biography and Profile

Stephen Anthony Smith, born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, has become one of the most recognizable and highest-paid figures in sports media. His career trajectory from a newspaper beat writer to the undisputed face of ESPN is a story of relentless ambition and controversial commentary.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Key Biographical Details:

• Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
• Born: October 14, 1967 (Age 58 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Bronx, New York
• Education: Winston-Salem State University (B.A. in Mass Communication)
• Career Milestones: Began as a sports writer for the *Winston-Salem Journal* and *Greensboro News and Record*. Joined *The Philadelphia Inquirer* in 1994, covering the Philadelphia 76ers. Rose to prominence as a commentator on ESPN, becoming the star of *First Take* and a host on his own SiriusXM show, *Straight Shooter*.
• Recent Work: Author of the 2023 memoir, *Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes*.

Smith's style is characterized by his passionate, often theatrical delivery, which has earned him both immense popularity and sharp criticism. His long-standing history covering the NBA, particularly the careers of superstars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan, has given his opinions significant weight in the sports world.

The Shocking Apology: The LeBron James Memorial Controversy

One of the most recent and significant events to link Stephen A. Smith and Kobe Bryant was a major controversy that erupted over Smith’s commentary on LeBron James. Smith was forced to issue a public apology after making a false claim about James's attendance at Kobe Bryant’s public memorial service.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The False Claim and Immediate Backlash

While discussing the rivalry and comparison between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Smith incorrectly intimated on an episode of *First Take* that LeBron James did not attend the public memorial for Kobe and Gianna Bryant held at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena).

This statement, which was factually inaccurate—LeBron James was indeed present at the "Celebration of Life" service—sparked immediate and severe backlash from fans and media figures alike. Critics accused Smith of using a tragic event to create drama and elevate his preferred narrative in the Kobe vs. LeBron debate, a common theme in his commentary.

Smith’s Public Retraction and Damage Control

Faced with overwhelming evidence and condemnation, Smith quickly issued a public apology and clarification, both on his show and on social media. He acknowledged that he "misspoke" and corrected the record, confirming that James did attend the service.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

This incident became a major talking point, highlighting the intense scrutiny Smith faces and the sensitivity surrounding any commentary involving the late Kobe Bryant. It served as a stark reminder of the indelible link between the Mamba's legacy and the careers of his contemporaries like LeBron James, and the responsibility of those who cover them.

Kobe’s Intensity and the Unforgettable Conversation

In his recent interviews promoting *Straight Shooter*, Stephen A. Smith has repeatedly returned to a specific, unforgettable conversation he had with Kobe Bryant, which he describes as a moment that solidified his understanding of the Mamba Mentality.

Smith recalls a time when he was discussing Kobe's infamous 2003 sexual assault case in Colorado. He has often stated that Kobe's lack of a strong media relationship at the time compounded his reputation damage during the ordeal.

The Mamba’s Relentless Focus

The conversation Smith recounts with Kobe was not about the legal issues themselves, but about Kobe's singular focus on basketball even as he dealt with the massive personal and legal turmoil. Smith noted that while others would have crumbled under the pressure of flying back and forth between Denver and Los Angeles to play games, Kobe's only concern was his performance on the court.

Smith’s revelation emphasizes a defining trait of Kobe Bryant: his absolute, almost inhuman ability to compartmentalize and focus on the game. He noted that the NBA star never showed any sign of the outside turmoil affecting his play, a level of mental toughness that Smith has rarely seen.

The Real Regret: A Lack of Media Advice

While the LeBron memorial lie was a recent mistake, Smith has spoken about a deeper, long-standing regret concerning Kobe. He has detailed how he wished he had been more successful in convincing Kobe to cultivate a stronger, more proactive relationship with the media early in his career.

According to Smith, Kobe's aloofness and refusal to play the media game ultimately hurt him, particularly during the 2003 case. Smith believes that had Kobe built a foundation of trust and rapport, the public perception during that difficult time might have been less hostile. This regret is a central theme in Smith's discussion of the Mamba's career, positioning the analyst not just as a critic, but as a frustrated mentor figure.

"Straight Shooter" Reveals: The Evolution of a Complex Bond

The most comprehensive and fresh details about the Smith-Kobe relationship come directly from Stephen A. Smith’s memoir, *Straight Shooter*. The book provides an inside look at how their professional and personal dynamic evolved from one of mutual respect and occasional tension to a profound, unspoken understanding.

From Critic to Confidant

Smith's book details the early years of covering Kobe, where he was often critical of the young player’s style and demeanor. However, over time, the intensity and authenticity of their interactions fostered a unique bond. Kobe, known for respecting only those who challenged him, came to respect Smith’s dedication to his craft, even when he disagreed with his hot takes. This is a common thread in the Mamba Mentality narrative—the respect for a worthy adversary.

The Michael Jordan Comparison Debate

A recurring theme in the Smith-Kobe dynamic was the Michael Jordan comparison. Smith, like many analysts, often weighed in on whether Kobe could surpass Jordan. Smith has recounted private moments where he pushed Kobe on this very comparison, trying to get the *Black Mamba* to accept the mantle of being Jordan's true successor. This relentless pressure from Smith was a form of respect, acknowledging Kobe's place in the pantheon of basketball greats.

The memoir’s revelations serve to humanize the larger-than-life figure of Kobe Bryant through the eyes of one of the few media members who consistently had his ear. They showcase a relationship built on fiery debate, professional admiration, and a shared, intense passion for the game of basketball.

The Lasting Legacy of the Stephen A. Smith-Kobe Dialogue

The dialogue between Stephen A. Smith and Kobe Bryant will forever be a case study in the complex relationship between an elite athlete and the media that covers them. It was a relationship defined by high-stakes commentary, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Smith continues to be one of Kobe's most vocal defenders and celebrators, frequently invoking the Mamba Mentality when discussing current NBA stars. His recent apology and the intimate details in his memoir ensure that the story of their bond remains current and relevant, providing fans with continuous, fresh perspectives on the legend of Kobe Bryant.

The enduring power of Smith’s commentary on Kobe is that it never shies away from the complexity of the man—the triumphs, the controversies, and the relentless drive. By sharing these personal stories, Stephen A. Smith solidifies his role not just as a sports commentator, but as a keeper of the Mamba’s legacy.