Kyrie Irving recently reignited his ongoing feud with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith by openly criticizing Smith’s rumored $100 million contract with ESPN during a livestream. The Brooklyn Nets star, sidelined due to an ACL injury in the 2024-25 NBA season, voiced doubts about the worthiness of the deal, sparking widespread discussion across social media platforms.
Despite being injured, Irving remains active and engaged with fans through various channels, including Twitch and podcasts. In his latest public remarks, Irving directly addressed the deal Smith reportedly signed, arguing that the contract is unwarranted. This comment adds another chapter to their contentious history, which dates back to Irving’s earlier years with the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie Questions the Value of Stephen A. Smith’s ESPN Contract
During the livestream, Kyrie Irving stated clearly his reservations about the size of Smith’s contract, saying,
“I’m going to discuss his contract. I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say: ‘I don’t think you’re worth it.’”
This statement quickly caught attention, generating debate about both Smith’s performance and Irving’s outspoken nature.
Irving acknowledged that his comments would be clipped and potentially taken out of context, urging fans to listen carefully to his full statement before drawing conclusions. Regardless, the phrase about the contract soon went viral, fueling more commentary about the ongoing rivalry between the two figures.
Smith and Irving have a long-standing history of public disagreements. Smith once defended himself emphatically when Irving secured a three-year, $119 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, with Irving insisting that he deserved even more. This back-and-forth reflects deeper tensions that neither has shied away from over the years.
It remains uncertain whether Stephen A. Smith will respond to Irving’s latest remarks. Given Smith’s reputation for candid commentary, a rebuttal seems likely, especially with social media buzzing around Irving’s pointed critique.
Irving Offers Encouragement to Rookie Teammate Cooper Flagg
A recent topic of discussion has been the NBA Summer League debut of Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite Flagg’s performance falling short of expectations—with a shooting line of 5-for-21 and no successful three-pointers—Irving chose to highlight the positives and offer support for his new teammate’s growth.
He performed extremely well. He’s probably going to put a lot of pressure on himself, saying he didn’t do well, that comes with it, but I’m excited to see all these young guys grow.
—Kyrie Irving
Irving, who recently signed a three-year contract with Dallas, attended the game in Las Vegas to back Flagg in person. Flagg’s stat line included ten points, six rebounds, three steals, one block, and four assists. Irving’s optimism suggests confidence that Flagg’s skills will improve with experience.
Lil Wayne Praises Kyrie Irving’s Lifestyle Sneakers
Outside of basketball, Kyrie Irving has made notable strides in the footwear industry through his role as Chief Creative Officer of ANTA, a brand now celebrated in the U.S. for its basketball and lifestyle shoe lines. One high-profile fan of Irving’s shoes is rapper Lil Wayne, who recently shared a video expressing his admiration for a pair of lifestyle sneakers—the Brown ANTA Hela Style “Roots”—gifted by Irving.
In the video, Lil Wayne praised the sneakers and hinted at potential future collaborations, reflecting the success and growing popularity of Irving’s shoe line. The shoes are accessible to consumers, priced around $125, making them a popular choice among fans eager to connect with Irving’s creative vision in footwear.
The Ongoing Rivalry’s Broader Implications
The dispute between Kyrie Irving and Stephen A. Smith highlights the tensions that can exist between players and media figures, especially when significant contracts and public perception are involved. Irving’s willingness to speak out while recovering from injury demonstrates his determination to shape narratives around his career and personal opinions.
This public exchange may influence how viewers and fans perceive both Irving and Smith as professionals in their respective domains. For Irving, maintaining a strong voice off the court keeps him relevant in the basketball community despite his injury. For Smith, responses to such criticism may reinforce or challenge his standing as a leading NBA analyst.
As the NBA season progresses and both individuals continue their careers, observers will watch closely to see if this rivalry intensifies or leads to a new chapter of dialogue. Meanwhile, Irving’s support for young talent like Cooper Flagg and his ventures outside of basketball showcase the multifaceted nature of his public presence.