Taking over NBA headlines over the past week has been the verbal confrontation between Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gordon Hayward made a guest appearance on Run It Back with Michelle Beadle and called out James for the way he confronted Smith. He was asked by Beadle if he ever had a moment where he wanted to confront the talking heads (analysts).
“Yeah, absolutely. I think we all have moments where we want to confront the talking heads. but.. I would never do that in public like that. I don’t think that’s the time or place to do something like that,” Hayward replied.
Hayward finished his career with the Thunder in the 2023-24 season. He was a player that received a lot of criticism during his career as well. Especially, when he signed his $127 million contract with the Boston Celtics back in 2017. Once he signed that contract, he broke his leg in October of 2017 and was never quite the same player. He was criticized heavily by the media, but obviously nowhere near the level of James.
The time when Hayward received the most criticism was during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. His best season in Charlotte was the 2020-21 season where he averaged 19.6 points and shot 41.5% from three-point range. After that season, his career was on the decline and began to receive criticism. He was then traded in February of 2024 to the Thunder in exchange for Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, Davis Bertans and a couple of draft picks.
Whether James’ reasoning for confronting Smith was for his benefit or to defend his son Bronny James Jr., it still likely wasn’t the right place or time for it. Many people will agree with Hayward’s opinion in that regard.
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