“Kobe Bryant scared the living s**t out of me”: Stephen A Smith Recalls How Lakers Legend Got Excessively Defensive Over Criticism

There are very few people who can claim to have an exceptional basketball IQ. A couple of names come to mind, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and of course Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps no one had as much love and as much thirst for basketball as Kobe. The Black Mamba was obsessed with the sport and was always eager to improve his knowledge.

However, he did not like being challenged, especially by people who have not played the game at the highest level. That is why Stephen A Smith was left scared s**tless when he last commented on Bryant’s game.

Also Read: “You’re About to See Some Real S**t”: Kobe Bryant’s Teammates Were Amused by Animosity Between Vanessa Bryant and Mamba’s Parents

Kobe Bryant once “scared the sh*t” out of Stephen A Smith after the analyst said something he didn’t like

Stephen A Smith is one of the most respected analysts in the sports industry. The man speaks his mind and deals with the haters, critics, and angry players afterward.

However, there are times when even he regrets his words. Specifically when they were about Kobe Bryant. Stephen A once revealed how he received a call from Kobe that “scared the sh*t” out of him.

Smith shared the story with Howard Stern while also paying tribute to the late legend.

“Kobe, God rest his soul. Now he scared me. Kobe scared the living sh*t out of me. He was a savant. You did not know more (about) basketball than Kobe Bryant. So when Kobe Bryant called you to complain, and I can quote him. I miss him so much. I can quote him for you right now. Voicemail. ‘You know who this is motherf**ker. Get your ass up, pick up the f**king phone and call me back. That bulls**t you just said. And don’t keep me waiting. Your a** better not go on the air and say some other s**t before you talk to me.’”

Stephen A. Smith tells Howard Stern about the profane responses he would get from Kobe Bryant after criticizing him on ESPN pic.twitter.com/uqzrZY3QpS

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 18, 2023

Safe to say that Stephen A learned that day that the Black Mamba has a venomous bite. One that should not be tested on live TV.

Stephen A Smith did not include Kobe in his Top 5 players of all time

Kobe Bryant without a shadow of a doubt is one of the greatest of all time. However, Stephen A Smith, despite all the love he has for the Black Mamba does not have him in his list of Top 5 players of all time.

Kobe lost out to Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson. A strong list, but one that many will have an issue with.

Also Read: $1.6 Million Lakers Trainer Knew When Kobe Bryant Ruptured His Achilles Prior To An Official Diagnosis