Stephen A. Smith talks about Luka Doncic's decision to play in EuroBasketStephen A. Smith and Luka Doncic (Photo By Imagn Images)
Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Luka Doncic’s decision to suit up for Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket, and for once, he is not pushing back. The ESPN analyst expressed rare support for the Los Angeles Lakers’ future leader after a recent knee contusion raised concerns about his summer involvement.

Doncic, who came from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, signed a massive three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Purple and Gold. Despite missing significant time due to injuries and conditioning concerns, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.8 steals in 50 games last season.

“You take all of those things into consideration,” Smith added. “I would say, he’s got his bag, he’s got his money, and now he’s out there trying to work himself into the best shape he’s ever been in in his life. So if this is how he chooses to do it, I don’t knock him one bit.”

Before his injury, Doncic dropped 26 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a dominant first half against Latvia, which proves his visible improvements in conditioning and effort on both sides.

However, with Slovenia set to face Great Britain in a warm-up game, Doncic will likely return to the floor. Their EuroBasket opener against Poland on August 28 will be the actual test of his ability.

 

Stephen A. Smith Talks About Legendary Debates

Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Controversial CommentsStephen A. Smith (Image Credits: Imagn)
The NBA players and media personalities have different opinions regarding understanding the game. Former players like Gilbert Arenas often clash with analysts over how greatness is judged, especially between the debates over Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

On Gil’s Arena, Arenas asked Stephen A. Smith what criteria the media uses. “I don’t think there’s one definitive answer to that, to be fair to you,” Smith said. “I think that’s one of the great things about this podcast is that, no matter how we feel, when y’all open y’all mouth and start talking basketball [we have to respect it].”

However, Smith defended putting LeBron ahead of Kobe, considering James’ ability to elevate any team. He highlighted James’ 2007 and 2018 playoff runs as proof of his unmatched impact.

Brittney Griner Finally Breaks Her Silence Over Alleged Caitlin Clark Comments That The WNBA Refused To Investigate

Brittney Griner speaking to reporterBrittney Griner (Photo via Twitter)
WNBA star Brittney Griner was at the center of a new debate over what she allegedly said in a game against basketball phenom Caitlin Clark.

The Atlanta Dream center found herself at the center of social media controversy last month when some fans thought she disparaged Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark upon fouling out.

The game’s broadcast focused on an upset Griner saying something as she returned to the Dream bench after fouling out of the game. While there’s no audio of this moment, some who tried to read Griner’s lips thought she called Clark a “trash f–king white girl.”

However, there’s no proof of Griner saying those actual words since others thought she stated something else.

It took weeks for someone to finally get a quote from her, and she provided much of nothing.

Brittney Griner was asked about this moment before her team’s June 15 game against the Washington Mystics and said, “I remember fouling out, being mad. I remember fouling out on, I believe it was [Natasha] Howard driving to the basket. They said I put my hand in.”

WNBA Chooses Not To Investigate Brittney Griner

Griner Drops F-Bomb, Apologizes Amid Clark Slur RowBrittney Griner (Photo By Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Moments before the conclusion of the Indiana Fever’s 81-76 victory over the Dream at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta weeks ago, cameras seemingly caught Atlanta Dream star center Brittney Griner labeling Caitlin Clark “trash” before calling her a “f***ing white girl” in frustration over a foul on Natasha Howard.

The clip of Griner speaking on the bench, lacking context, spread on social media and went viral.

Griner, who won a gold medal for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, essentially got aw@y with whatever came out of her mouth because the league basically ignored the controversy.

This incident is not the only time Griner vocalized her frustrations this season. Following another game, she stormed off mid-interview, yelling at the referees to “be f—ing better.