The Stephen A. Smith Show - Episode Summary

Title: Full Show: NBA History, LeBron and Bronny. Trump Needs Cognitive Test. WNBA Players Want to Get Paid.
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this dynamic episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith navigates through a tapestry of compelling topics that span the realms of sports, politics, and societal issues. From the historic NBA debut of LeBron and Bronny James to critical discussions on Donald Trump's mental fitness and the WNBA players' fight for fair compensation, Smith delivers his trademark unfiltered opinions and deep dives into the most pressing headlines.

Historic NBA Moment: LeBron and Bronny James [03:50 - 17:15]

The First Father-Son Duo in NBA History

Stephen A. Smith opens with the groundbreaking event of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, playing together in an NBA game for the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks the first time a father and son have shared the court in league history.

"It's about LeBron James. This isn't even about Bronny James, believe it or not. It's about LeBron James."
[05:20]

Smith emphasizes LeBron's monumental impact on the league, asserting that LeBron is one of the top two or three greatest players in basketball history and deserves higher compensation than currently offered.

"He's religiously underpaid. We all know this. He definitely is underpaid."
[06:45]

Bronny's Role and Future

While celebrating the historic moment, Smith expresses a cautious optimism about Bronny's future, highlighting the inevitable scrutiny and challenges he will face being LeBron's son.

"Anybody with a heart should be rooting for Bronny James. But at some point, there has to be something about you that says, 'I'm blazing my own trail.'"
[14:30]

Smith draws parallels with Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., questioning how Bronny's career will be evaluated in comparison to established legacy players.

Jaylen Brown's Olympic Omission and Marketability [17:15 - 20:00]

Addressing Unfair Criticism

Smith transitions to discuss Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown's exclusion from the Olympic team and the accompanying narrative labeling him as "unmarketable."

"Jaylen Brown is a brilliant brother... he's a former Conference Finals MVP, NBA Finals MVP, a champion who has averaged at least 23 points a game over the last three years."
[18:10]

He criticizes the media and public for undermining Brown's marketability despite his on-court achievements and contributions to the team.

"People want to say he won't last more than two years. That's absurd."
[19:45]

Smith defends both Jaylen Brown and the Celtics, emphasizing their dedication and highlighting Brown's resilience and character.

Celtics Dominate Knicks: Game Analysis [20:00 - 34:35]

Breakdown of the Celtics' Performance

Analyzing the recent game where the Boston Celtics trounced the New York Knicks 132-109, Smith praises the Celtics' offensive prowess, particularly their three-point shooting.

"Boston shot the lights out against the Knicks Town with an NBA record of 29 three-pointers made, shooting about 64% from beyond the arc."
[21:30]

Jason Tatum's standout performance is highlighted, with Smith naming him his pick for the league MVP.

"Jason Tatum dropped 37 points and hit 8 of 11 from three-point range. He's my pick to be league MVP this year."
[22:15]

Knicks' Struggles and Future Outlook

Smith discusses the Knicks' challenges, including missing key players like Mitchell Robinson and adjusting to new coaching strategies.

"The identity has to be re-established. And I think it's going to be a different identity than it was last year for Knicks fans."
[24:50]

He expresses skepticism about the Celtics being derailed unless confronted by extraordinary challenges, reinforcing his belief in their championship potential.

Interview with Jerry Ferrara: "Throwbacks" Podcast [38:42 - 52:18]

Introducing Jerry Ferrara

Smith welcomes actor Jerry Ferrara to the show, delving into Ferrara's new podcast "Throwbacks" alongside Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinert.

"With 'Throwbacks,' we're bringing you in-depth conversations and nostalgic takes on sports history."
[40:10]

NBA Season Predictions

Ferrara shares his insights on the NBA season, aligning closely with Smith's views on top contenders and MVP candidates.

"Jason Tatum is poised for the MVP this year. The Celtics have the perfect blend to go all the way."
[41:30]

He discusses the potential impact of player movements and team dynamics, emphasizing the rise of teams like the Denver Nuggets.

Political Commentary: Trump’s Cognitive Fitness [55:00 - 80:00]

Analyzing Trump's Campaign Behavior

Smith shifts focus to the political arena, critiquing former President Donald Trump's recent statements and behavior on the campaign trail.

"Donald Trump is making statements that make question his mental acuity. It's time for a cognitive test."
[60:45]

He highlights Trump's avoidance of debates and erratic behavior as concerning signs of declining cognitive health, drawing attention to his public mishaps and controversial remarks.

"He appears to be at this particular moment in time... he hasn't sounded lucid and cogent at all."
[75:30]

Impact on the Election

Smith discusses how Trump's behavior could influence voter perception ahead of the presidential election, emphasizing the importance of considering mental fitness in leadership roles.

"With less than two weeks to go, Trump's rambling and unusual behavior are alarming. It's only fair to ask for a cognitive test."
[78:15]

WNBA Players' Fight for Fair Compensation [80:00 - 104:04]

Opting Out of the CBA

Smith addresses the WNBA players' decision to opt out of their current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), aiming for better pay and working conditions.

"WNBA players are demanding higher pay, reflecting their significant contributions to the league's growth."
[85:20]

Critique of the League's Support

He criticizes the WNBA's historical lack of support for standout players, suggesting that stronger advocacy earlier on could have maximized the league's growth and player marketability.

"You could have done more to assist players like Caitlin Clark. Now you're opting out, and it's overdue."
[90:50]

Smith emphasizes that increased television ratings and franchise values are a direct result of the players' performances, not solely the league's efforts.

"Higher television ratings and attendance figures come courtesy of the players who excel on the court."
[95:10]

Guest Segment: Terry Crews on Comedy and Recovery [56:33 - 80:00]

Discussing "Everybody Still Hates Chris"

In a heartfelt conversation, Smith interviews Terry Crews about his role in the new animated series "Everybody Still Hates Chris" and his journey through addiction and recovery.

"Comedy is my mission to make people laugh and enjoy themselves, especially in tough times."
[63:17]

Personal Growth and Advocacy

Crews shares his motivations for overcoming addiction, highlighting the importance of community and laughter in his recovery process.

"Laughter was the way I survived. It was essential to keeping me going through the darkest times."
[65:34]

He also discusses his memoir, emphasizing the need to break down stereotypes and provide authentic narratives for young men navigating similar challenges.

"I wanted to tell my story to help young people understand what it takes to be a man and overcome obstacles."
[67:39]

Conclusion [104:04 - End]

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating his key insights on the NBA season, political developments, and the WNBA players' advocacy. He encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged, emphasizing the importance of both sportsmanship and societal progress.

"I'm in it to win it. I demand nothing short of excellence."
[104:10]

Smith signs off with enthusiasm for the upcoming NBA season and a commitment to continue delivering impactful discussions on his show.

Notable Quotes

• "It's about LeBron James. This isn't even about Bronny James, believe it or not. It's about LeBron James."
  [05:20]

• "He's religiously underpaid. We all know this. He definitely is underpaid."
  [06:45]

• "Jaylen Brown is a brilliant brother... he's a former Conference Finals MVP, NBA Finals MVP, a champion who has averaged at least 23 points a game over the last three years."
  [18:10]

• "Jason Tatum dropped 37 points and hit 8 of 11 from three-point range. He's my pick to be league MVP this year."
  [22:15]

• "Trump has been rambling and doesn't appear lucid. It would be fair to consider a cognitive test."
  [75:30]

• "WNBA players are demanding higher pay, reflecting their significant contributions to the league's growth."
  [85:20]

• "Comedy is my mission to make people laugh and enjoy themselves, especially in tough times."
  [63:17]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions presented in The Stephen A. Smith Show episode, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the key topics and guest contributions.