5 Unforgettable Moments That Defined Stephen A. Smith’s Volatile Relationship With Kobe Bryant

Stephen A. Smith’s relationship with Kobe Bryant was arguably the most fascinating and complex dynamic in modern sports media, a blend of brutal on-air criticism and profound, mutual respect. As of December 12, 2025, Smith continues to use his massive platform, especially on ESPN's First Take and his own podcast, to fiercely defend or controversially debate the Black Mamba's legacy, ensuring the conversation around the Lakers legend remains perpetually in the spotlight.

The veteran analyst often recounts the late NBA icon's impact on his own career, painting a picture of a friendship forged in fire—a friendship that involved Kobe sending "scathing voicemails" directly to Smith whenever he felt his commentary was unfair. This unique, high-stakes dynamic is the core of Smith's most compelling sports narratives, continually shaping how millions view the Mamba Mentality and his place in basketball history.

Stephen A. Smith: Journalist, Analyst, and Confidant (A Mini-Biography)

Stephen Anthony Smith, born October 14, 1967, is one of the most recognizable and highest-paid figures in sports media. His career trajectory is marked by a transition from traditional print journalism to becoming a dominant, polarizing voice on television and radio.

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• Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
• Born: October 14, 1967 (Age 58 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: The Bronx, New York
• Education: Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
• Early Career: Began as a reporter for the New York Daily News and later spent many years as an NBA reporter and columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he covered Allen Iverson and the 76ers.
• Rise to Fame: Joined ESPN in 2003, quickly becoming a fixture on NBA Shootaround.
• Current Roles: Host and analyst on ESPN's First Take, host of The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast, and a frequent contributor to SportsCenter.
• Notable Works: Authored the 2023 memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes.
• Career Philosophy: Known for his passionate, often theatrical, and provocative commentary, which has made him a lightning rod for debate and a cornerstone of ESPN's programming.

The LeBron vs. Kobe GOAT Debate: The Source of the Fire

The most consistent and controversial aspect of Smith’s commentary on Kobe Bryant is his placement of the Black Mamba in the ever-raging GOAT (Greatest of All Time) conversation. Smith’s position has repeatedly ignited fan outrage and media scrutiny, specifically because he frequently ranks LeBron James ahead of Kobe.

Smith does not deny Kobe’s genius, his five NBA championships, or his legendary "killer instinct." He consistently praises the Mamba Mentality as one of the most ferocious competitive spirits the NBA has ever seen.

However, Smith's argument for LeBron James over Kobe often hinges on two crucial points: consistency and team performance during certain periods. Smith has argued that LeBron James’s ability to keep his teams competitive, even when surrounded by less talent, surpassed Kobe’s performance during the periods when the Los Angeles Lakers struggled without Shaquille O'Neal or after the dynasty's breakup.

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This nuanced, yet highly provocative, stance is what has kept the debate alive for years, leading to viral moments on First Take and countless hours of fan reaction. For Smith, the difference is marginal but significant, often boiling down to the sustained competitive floor James maintained throughout his career compared to the deep struggles Kobe's Lakers faced in the mid-2000s.

The 'Scathing Voicemails' and Mutual Respect

Despite his on-air critiques, Smith has frequently detailed the deep, personal respect and unique relationship he shared with Kobe Bryant. This dynamic was not one of media-athlete antagonism but of high-level, mutual accountability.

Smith recounts receiving "scathing voicemails" from Kobe whenever the analyst felt his commentary was unfair or incorrect. This was not a passive-aggressive relationship; Kobe would directly confront Smith, demanding an explanation for his takes. Smith has consistently said he misses those calls and the intensity of Kobe's challenges.

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One memorable example Smith often brings up is an argument over one of Kobe’s outfits. Smith, on air, mocked the Lakers star's attire, leading to a direct and fiery call from Kobe, who defended his fashion choices with the same intensity he defended his jump shot.

This back-and-forth illustrates the core of their bond: a mutual understanding that the criticism came from a place of respect for greatness. Smith’s willingness to criticize an icon like Bryant, and Bryant’s willingness to directly challenge a major media personality, cemented their unique and unforgettable relationship in the public eye.

The Controversial 'Lie' and Its Aftermath

A major controversy that recently resurfaced surrounding Stephen A. Smith’s commentary involved an alleged "bold face lie" related to the Kobe Bryant memorial service.

The core of the issue stems from Smith’s commentary that, at one point, he falsely accused LeBron James of skipping Kobe Bryant's public memorial service at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). The accusation was a significant blunder, as LeBron James was, in fact, in attendance. Smith later had to issue an apology for the false claim, which critics argued was an attempt to subtly diminish LeBron’s character to elevate other narratives or, conversely, was a misstatement twisted by others to create a controversy.

This incident became a flashpoint for those who already accuse Smith of sensationalism or of having a pro-LeBron bias in the GOAT debate. While Smith's overall commentary on Kobe is overwhelmingly positive and reverent, this one instance of misinformation drew intense scrutiny and remains a key talking point for those who question his objectivity, particularly when discussing the two titans of the league.

Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority:

• Los Angeles Lakers
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Phil Jackson
• NBA Finals
• Michael Jordan
• Mamba Mentality
• GOAT Debate
• LeBron James
• First Take
• Skip Bayless
• ESPN
• Lakers Dynasty
• Career-Changing Advice
• Scathing Voicemails
• Black Mamba
• Vino (Kobe Nickname)
• Clutch Field Goals
• Staples Center Memorial
• Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
• Philadelphia Inquirer
• Straight Shooter (Memoir)
• SportsCenter
• Carmelo Anthony (frequent debate topic)
• Gilbert Arenas (debate opponent)
• Shannon Sharpe (debate partner)

The Career-Changing Advice Kobe Gave Stephen A. Smith

Beyond the debates and the arguments, Smith attributes a pivotal moment in his professional life to a conversation he had with Kobe Bryant. Smith has shared that Kobe gave him "career-changing advice" that helped shape his approach to his media empire.

In one particularly famous anecdote, Smith recalled Kobe telling him, "Bump Oprah. Think HARPO." This was Kobe’s way of advising Smith to not just be the talent (Oprah) but to own the production company and the intellectual property (HARPO), thereby controlling his own destiny and maximizing his brand’s value.

This piece of advice—to focus on ownership and control rather than just being a highly-paid employee—had a profound impact on Smith, who has since expanded his brand into a major podcast and media presence far beyond his ESPN contract. It serves as powerful evidence of the true depth of their relationship, showing that Kobe saw Smith not just as a critic, but as a peer worthy of Mamba-level business counsel.