Former NBA player Matt Barnes called out ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith for criticizing LeBron James for his comments about the Memphis Grizzlies.
James was recently on the “Bob Does Sports” show with Robby “Bobby Fairways” Berger, and the Los Angeles Lakers star called Memphis and Milwaukee boring NBA cities while also declaring that the Grizzlies should just move to Nashville.
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Smith went on a rant in his show, calling out LeBron for disrespecting Memphis while not thinking about the welfare of the Black community there, who could be economically affected if the Grizzlies leave town. However, Barnes said James was merely echoing a topic that is already a hot discussion.
“I played in Memphis, got a lot of love for the city, but there’s no doubt that the city needs an upgrade when it comes to its facilities for pro players. But Stephen A., you shouldn’t have a problem with that,” said Barnes.
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The possibility that the Grizzlies are leaving Memphis is not a secret
The Grizzlies have called FedExForum home since 2004, and in recent years, the franchise has been seeking updated amenities to create better revenue opportunities. A $500 million renovation has been discussed since 2022, but so far, only $80 million has been approved for maintenance and initial upgrades. However, with the lease set to expire in 2029, there have been stories about the Grizzlies moving to Nashville — it wasn’t LeBron’s idea.
As for Smith saying James wasn’t mindful about his words because the Grizzlies’ leaving town would affect the Black community in Memphis, which he said composed 63 percent of its total population, Matt said Stephen A. isn’t any different because he has used his platform to disparage prominent Black women personalities, which is worse.
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“You’re talking about his words and what they mean to the Black community. But you’ve been the same man in front of the camera for the last handful of months disrespecting Serena Williams, disrespecting Jasmine Crockett, disrespecting Kamala Harris, and tap dancing for the whole white Republican Party but you got an issue with LeBron talking about a trending topic and his words carry weight and he doesn’t understand what his words can do to the Black community,” added Barnes.
Matt called out Stephen A.’s “BS”
Smith and Barnes used to be tight. When the former forward was involved in a controversy with former Lakers teammate Derek Fisher over his ex in 2015, Stephen A. opened his show to Matt so he could have a platform to explain his side of the issue, as he was being painted in a negative light.
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Matt acknowledged Stephen A.’s help, but still, he thinks it was right to call out the ESPN anchor for his hypocrisy towards LeBron.
“You understand the bulls—t that you’re talking and what that can do to the Black community? We all used to have a lot of love for you, bro. Particularly me, cuz you looked out. But we’re not gonna forget the bulls—t you’re on right now,”Barnes added.
Stephen A.’s beef with LeBron is well-known and deep. He has admitted he doesn’t like James and doesn’t care if the feeling is mutual. Although he hasn’t been talking about LBJ as much as he did last season, everyone knows that he was merely waiting for the right issue to pounce on him. That’s why Barnes thinks this is all nonsense from Smith.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.