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Ryan Seacrest
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Stephen A. Smith
No purchase necessary VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply at&t has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed. Like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed in a world where Nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you can depend on deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn more at att.comguarantee@ connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguarantee for details. Now let's get into the NBA playoffs and I want to just focus on the Lakers game four meeting with the Timberwolves yesterday just for a second. All right? Because I don't know if y'all saw what the hell I saw. I don't know if y'all saw what the hell I saw. But that brother right there, I mean I know you saw Nas Reed hitting the jump shot. I know you saw. Listen, Ant man is his nickname. It's called Anthony Edwards. That's his name. He is 23 years old and he is the best player on the floor compared to LeBron James, Luka Doncic or anybody else you want to bring to the table. The brother is coming. He's coming ladies and gentlemen. Already in his young career last year he swept Kevin Durant. Last year he sent Jokic home in a game seven in Denver and he is on the verge right now ascending LeBron James and Luka Doncic together home. That's what he doing. 43 points, 12 of 23 shooting 50% from three point range, 14 to 17 from the free throw line, denying rebounds, the six assists, just one turnover in 44 minutes. This brother is like a shark in blood infested waters and he's about to send somebody called King James by a few people home. Unless the Lakers are going to do something about it. That's where I'm coming from. But I figured my guest would want to talk about it cause you know he want to play the role of NBA Analyst. He usually just come on here to have some fun and all that stuff, but he want to act like he an NBA analyst today. So I said, you know what? Fine. Come on, come on, let's talk some basketball. You want to do that? Let's do that. All right. Nephew Josh is in the house.
Josh
Best looking man in the family.
Stephen A. Smith
You don't have to be rude. You don't have to be rude. That's not very nice.
Josh
It's just.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm your uncle. I'm saying I'm your uncle. That's not what you say about an elder statesman from your family. Which, by the way, you wouldn't look the way you look if it wasn't for the way me and your mama and your aunts and stuff look. Okay? You could create it from somewhere. You get your jeans from somewhere. You certainly get your glasses from me. I know that much. You steal them all the damn time.
Josh
Yeah. So it's the money then that y'all didn't have. So that's why I just look a little bit better. But what we talking about?
Stephen A. Smith
What we talking about? I thought you was the NBA analyst. Did you just hear me talking about the ladies?
Josh
I am, but that's what I'm at. You talking about JJ Reddick under coaching?
Stephen A. Smith
What are you saying about jj what are you trying to say?
Josh
I mean, first of all, it sound like the whole thing that you just broke down was. You're wrong.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm wrong?
Josh
Did you not pick the Lakers to go to the finals?
Stephen A. Smith
No, I didn't. I picked them to win the series though.
Josh
So you were wrong.
Stephen A. Smith
Did you pick the Lakers?
Josh
No, I picked Minnesota.
Stephen A. Smith
When did you pick Minnesota?
Josh
See, I ain't been invited in two weeks.
Stephen A. Smith
That is a lie.
Josh
I didn't pick Minnesota.
Stephen A. Smith
You did not pick Minnesota. That is a flat out lie. You did not pick Minnesota. So that's what we doing now as an analyst.
Josh
You gonna lie once I break down why I picked them?
Stephen A. Smith
Go ahead.
Josh
So last year Ant Edwards lost to Dallas in the Western Conference finals after a tough seven game series with Denver. Right. This year he catches Luka in the first round. So when he's coming down the court and he sees Luka in front of him, Austin Reaves in front of him, 40 year old LeBron in front of him with no rim protector. The tallest guy that you play is Finney. Finney Smith, yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
Jackson Hayes, but he's not playing.
Josh
He played seven minutes last night. Meet me at the rim. And then you got Edwards finishing with 40 points, Julius Randle showing Up. He's been hurt for the Knicks the last two post seasons, so we forgot what he could do in the playoffs. And here you got it. We up three. One. We.
Stephen A. Smith
By the way, Jackson Hayes only played four minutes, not seven.
Josh
Yeah, not even seven. See?
Stephen A. Smith
Not even seven. He only played four minutes. So what do you think about Ant, Man? Man. And what do you think about what you're seeing from into this, brother? I mean, he's Jordanesque. You realize that, right?
Josh
He's the face of the league. Even when he says that he's not the face of the league. That's the reason he's the face of the league.
Stephen A. Smith
You think he's the face of the league over Steph Curry?
Josh
Yeah, Steph is on his way out.
Stephen A. Smith
No, he's not. Have you seen Steph play? I mean, have you seen him play? He don't look on his way out. Where you going?
Josh
So did you hear what Paul Pierce said about Ant Edwards?
Stephen A. Smith
I did not. What did he say?
Josh
Was cartoon Griffith.
Stephen A. Smith
How you calling my producers telling me.
Unknown Producer
Anthony Edwards is not looking at LeBron and Luka like, you know, he admire KD, but he ain't gonna be doing all that woofin to them. He ain't gonna be doing all that. I don't think so. This is something different. Like KD is one type of aura, but LeBron is a different aura than KD. And he ain't gonna be shooting, looking at all that yelling and how you know? I just know. I got a feeling. I just got a feeling. You mean you wouldn't, right? You wouldn't. I wouldn't. Would what? You just said you wouldn't be looking at run. I already did that. I said you wouldn't. What you mean? What you mean wouldn't? I did it when. What you mean? Win, win. Show me. Pull it up. YouTube it then. You talking about. I'm talking about you speaking for another man and what he gonna be like.
Stephen A. Smith
Did they say that before the series?
Josh
Before the series.
Stephen A. Smith
So what was your purpose of calling that up just now?
Josh
Because what he said was the way Ant Edwards ended Kevin Durant and was screaming in his face and was, you know, going at him, he thought that he wouldn't do that against LeBron James. Griff, cut to the next video.
Stephen A. Smith
You calling him for another video? What the hell you been doing here?
Josh
Look, Dom, looks like woofing to me. Woof, woof, woof, woof.
Stephen A. Smith
Shove. It does look the same.
Josh
This is what it looks like.
Stephen A. Smith
It looks like what he was doing to Kevin Durant. It looks like what he was doing to Kevin Durant a little bit worse.
Josh
Cause he added a little physical. Physical to the wolf. Who not gonna do that.
Stephen A. Smith
So what you trying to say?
Josh
I'm trying to say that that's why he's the face. Everything that y'all appreciate about the old school and Edwards is bringing it back on top of being able to shoot better than Julian.
Stephen A. Smith
So you acknowledge that the old school is like. It's like a model that the new generation of cats should follow.
Josh
Yeah, y'all was more angry back then. Michael Jordan said it was because they was doing cocaine and stuff.
Stephen A. Smith
When did he say that?
Josh
He said it on his documentary. Don't act like you ain't see it.
Stephen A. Smith
He said what? That they were doing cocaine.
Josh
You ain't see it.
Stephen A. Smith
I saw it. I don't recall that.
Josh
We could rewatch it together.
Stephen A. Smith
You making stuff up. You making stuff up. So what's going to happen to the Los Angeles Lakers right now?
Josh
Five out in five.
Stephen A. Smith
They going on five? Yeah, they're going on five. They're going on five. By the way, let me see what you think about what J.J. redick had to say about not playing his starters the entire. Nobody but his starters for the entire second half. Not using his bench once in the entire second half. Let's see what JJ Redick has to say about that.
Ryan Seacrest
We certainly played well enough to win.
Josh
And we gave the effort to win and, you know, the. Not a planned thing to play five guys an entire second half. We asked him at the beginning of the fourth quarter, told them we had two extra timeouts. You know, if you need a sub, let us know. Those guys gave. Gave a lot.
Stephen A. Smith
What'd you think about that statement?
Josh
Um, I think what I've been thinking all year, that maybe Gilbert Arenas should be the coach and not JJ Reddick.
Stephen A. Smith
Gilbert Arenas the coach?
Josh
Why is JJ Redick the coach?
Stephen A. Smith
I'm just saying. What would make you come up with the name Gilbert Arenas? I'm not. Listen, Gilbert knows his basketball.
Josh
He knows his basketball.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm not throwing no shade on Gilbert Arenas, but I'm like, why would you bring up Gilbert's name?
Josh
Because Kobe has stamped Gilbert as one of those brilliant basketball minds. And I think LeBron just stamping JJ Redick. And y'all, too. Cause he was on ESPN, too. Just all of a sudden too. I don't that JJ Redick love affair from the world either.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, I think he's done a hell of a job.
Josh
That's what I saw it.
Stephen A. Smith
I thought he did a Hell of a job coming into these playoffs. Lakers were a top three seed in.
Josh
The west because you added a top three player.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, wait a minute now. Even when Anthony Davis was there, before he departed, you were a top five.
Josh
Seed because he's a top seven player like you said.
Stephen A. Smith
But I'm just saying the point is, is that they did that. They had been in a play in the last few years. And don't get me wrong, I love Darvin Hammond. I don't think he should have lost his job. But I do believe that JJ Redick is done an outstanding job up until these playoffs, specifically yesterday. You cannot. You cannot go up against young lions and young thoroughbreds like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are longer, who are very physical, who have defensive tenacity. And you don't use your bench at all. You cannot do that. You got to play your bench.
Josh
We talking about JJ Redick or Tom Thibodeau? Because I believe Tom Thibodeau should be the first coach up 31 during the playoffs to be fired.
Stephen A. Smith
What?
Josh
He should be fired right now because you know why? Next week is the second round. We keep losing in the second round. We know what's coming. We playing the Celtics. So it's about how we gonna lose. Are we gonna lose because players are dying out from the first round? Why did Jalen Brunson. Jalen Brunson broke his ankle yesterday.
Stephen A. Smith
What do you mean he broke his ankle? He got up, he came back.
Josh
He got 20 points after breaking his.
Stephen A. Smith
Ankle, eight points in the fourth quarter and was walking around just fine. There's no medical diagnosis that said his ankle was broken. Why would you say this?
Josh
Tom Thibodell got control of this team for four years. How? You don't got a roster that you could trust past six players. Nobody's going to call him out.
Stephen A. Smith
I've always. Hold up. I have called him out for that on many, many occasions. Pull out the firing, absolutely. But the fact of the matter is your young whipper snapper self wouldn't know any better. And you wasn't around and really mattered when the New York Knicks were losing so badly. We would have laugh at stock of the whole damn league. Now they winning 50 games a year, they're making it to the playoffs. And when they're losing. Listen, they beat Indiana in the semifinals last year. If everybody doesn't get injured and they down in game seven, they beat Indiana. And this year when they lose, because I believe they will lose to Boston. It is the reigning defending NBA champions who's one of the top two teams in all of. Top three teams in all of basketball. That's who they would be losing to. I can't fire a man based off of that.
Josh
You're firing him because the players keep getting hurt. Because you're wearing them out. Luo El Dang is on crutches. Derrick Rose has been in a wheelchair since he was 25. It's because Thibodeau doesn't know how to use his complete team.
Stephen A. Smith
I didn't see Derrick Rose in a wheelchair. I just saw him a few months ago. He was walking around, looked just fine.
Josh
It's a figure of speech. You know, he's been out in and out of the lineups for 17 years, since year three.
Stephen A. Smith
So you were five time Thibodeau. So since Gilbert Arenas would be your coach in Los Angeles, who would be your coach in New York?
Josh
Either Me, You?
Stephen A. Smith
You?
Josh
You don't hear what I'm saying. It doesn't sound like I know what I'm talking about.
Stephen A. Smith
No, it does. It doesn't sound like you qualify to be a coach at all.
Josh
So you know who Precious Achua is?
Stephen A. Smith
Of course I do.
Josh
Why is he playing zero minutes?
Stephen A. Smith
I don't understand.
Josh
You know, as a starter.
Stephen A. Smith
Precious Achua should be playing as a starter.
Josh
He averages 13, 9, 10 games. That's a good enough sample size.
Stephen A. Smith
As a. Listen, he should be playing. I'm not denying that. But just because you're right about a point here or there doesn't mean you're qualified to coach. Even I wouldn't want to coach. I'd want to be. Well, listen, there's nothing that all my.
Josh
Money on these jackets and stuff like that.
Stephen A. Smith
Let me ask. First of all, stop talking about the money you spend on a jacket because one minute you spending the money and one minute you saying that you got it for me. That's number one. Number two. Number two. When you think about this, you're talking about the Knicks. What would you do differently that would. What could you do with this roster that would enable the New York Knicks to beat the Boston Celtics?
Josh
Well, Mitchell Robinson doesn't seem to be able to jump twice anymore. So I would play him just for. Like you told. You can get up, but you have to play Precious Achilles. You have to Trust the Deuce McBride. These are players that you trusted all year.
Stephen A. Smith
Deuce McBride has been in the game and when he's been in the games in this series, he hasn't been that effective. He had a good three yesterday, but for the most part he hasn't been that effective.
Josh
Oh, so campaign. His campaign played seven minutes yesterday.
Stephen A. Smith
Campaign should have played more, especially with what he did for you at the beginning of this series. No doubt.
Josh
I'm hearing a lot of shit plays and they not playing any way. Fire somebody. Where's Leon Rose?
Stephen A. Smith
What would you tell him? What would you tell him?
Josh
Nah, I think we should shake stuff up and fire Tibet over the next.
Stephen A. Smith
So who would be the coach other.
Josh
Than you, if you were Jalen Brunson's dad?
Stephen A. Smith
Rick Brunson.
Josh
Rick Brunson.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay. And the qualifications that he has. I mean, I know he. I know he knows basketball.
Josh
Deion Sanders is a coach.
Stephen A. Smith
Okay, so get rid of Tom Thibodeau.
Josh
Get rid of Tom Thibodeau for sure.
Stephen A. Smith
And hire Rick Brunson.
Josh
I feel like Tom Thibodeau.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, I covered in college, you know, I covered in. Yeah, Temple.
Josh
Yeah, exactly. And I feel like Tom Thibodeau changed our, you know, our mentality and stuff like that. You did your job. You did what Mark Jackson did for Golden State. How good?
Stephen A. Smith
You didn't mention hiring Mark Jackson, you.
Josh
Know, for certain reasons and stuff like that. He's always my favorite, but they never move on that, so let's not even waste that.
Stephen A. Smith
Is there anything else you want to say before I throw you off the show? I mean. Yeah, you haven't been out in a week and you've been texting me. Cause you miss me. You miss your uncle so much.
Josh
No, I've been trying to. I've been trying to figure out on the Internet, they was trying to help me negotiate my contract, so yearly.
Stephen A. Smith
Right, Your contract? Your contract with who.
Josh
I was. Our contract. You got 100.
Stephen A. Smith
I wasn't aware. I wasn't aware that you were in a position to negotiate a contract. So you was talking about you getting advice about how to negotiate a contract with me?
Josh
Yeah, only because, like, on first take, it's like 80. Y'all, like, rotating and stuff like that. So y'all splitting that big pot on here? For the most part, it's me and you.
Stephen A. Smith
Me and you.
Josh
Yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
And what do you think you've done to deserve money from me for here?
Josh
It's not so much what I think. I speak for the people.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, the people are fully aware that you steal from your uncle, you take my shades, you know, you take other things. Okay. You go on trips, you book it to my card. This is what you tell. You brag about this stuff. So basically what you're saying is you've already taken my money, you've Already taken my money, you know, so why should I have to give you anything?
Josh
Well, since we doing that.
Stephen A. Smith
No, no, no. Since we doing that, why do I have to give you anything since you've already been taking without my permission?
Josh
By the way, I'm tired of those rumors being out. And then tomorrow's the Knicks game. I got a skybox. Did you see it?
Stephen A. Smith
You got a skybox?
Josh
Somebody you coming with?
Stephen A. Smith
Who? You got a skybox with me?
Josh
You could come.
Stephen A. Smith
What makes you think I'm going to the game? Right, but when you say you talk.
Josh
About skybox, what are you sitting?
Stephen A. Smith
I'm sitting courtside.
Josh
So we paid twice. No, I got a skybox in you.
Stephen A. Smith
Well, you go get the skybox all you want to, but I. I didn't pay for that. I'm sitting courtside.
Josh
You can sit.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm someone.
Josh
I'm someone teaching from the last show. Yeah, she's gonna be in the sky bus. Who? Come on.
Stephen A. Smith
Cool. Keisha.
Josh
That colt in from Jersey, you actually.
Stephen A. Smith
Really reached out to her?
Josh
She had reached out to me. I answered, I'm here to.
Stephen A. Smith
I swear to God, I'm gonna kick your ass. You reached out to that girl?
Josh
She reached out to me. She said it.
Stephen A. Smith
Did you see her? Is she worth going to the game, too?
Josh
Yeah, I said, I'm skybox, too. You know.
Stephen A. Smith
Keisha in the skybox?
Unknown Producer
Yeah.
Stephen A. Smith
Yes.
Josh
Remember my hat?
Stephen A. Smith
How you get the skybox?
Josh
How'd I get to skybox?
Stephen A. Smith
How you get the skybox? It's not free.
Josh
They watch the show.
Stephen A. Smith
I mean, they believe it's not free, Josh. I know I better not see some shit on my card. That for the charging me for the skybox.
Josh
At this point now, I don't even need the card. They be like, that's Stephen A's nephew with the company card. I don't even need the physical. It's just. You just gonna handle it? I owe people in your name. To be honest with you, sometimes I don't got the card. I'd be like, he got it. I know he got it.
Stephen A. Smith
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Ryan Seacrest
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Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: "We Rich" Nephew Josh Discusses His Salary and Recaps NBA Playoffs
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the NBA Playoffs, focusing primarily on the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 4 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The discussion takes a lively turn when Stephen A. brings his nephew, Josh, into the conversation, transforming the segment into a spirited debate on basketball strategies, coaching decisions, and player performances.
Stephen A. Smith kicks off the episode with a passionate analysis of the Lakers' performance in Game 4 against the Timberwolves. Highlighting the stellar play of Anthony Edwards, Stephen A. emphasizes Edwards' rising dominance in the league.
Stephen A. praises Edwards' impressive statistics, including his 43 points, 12-of-23 shooting, and his ability to maintain composure with only one turnover in 44 minutes. He draws parallels between Edwards and legendary players, suggesting that Edwards is on the verge of surpassing established stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Transitioning from analysis to a more personal interaction, Stephen A. introduces his nephew, Josh, into the show. What begins as a light-hearted introduction quickly evolves into a heated debate about NBA coaching and team strategies.
The playful banter sets the stage for a deeper discussion on coaching decisions, specifically targeting JJ Redick's role as the Lakers' coach.
Josh doesn’t hold back in his criticism of JJ Redick's coaching during the playoffs. He questions Redick’s strategy of not utilizing the bench effectively during crucial moments.
Stephen A. defends Redick, citing his overall performance throughout the season but concedes that the lack of bench usage in Game 4 was a significant misstep against a physically tough Timberwolves team.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Josh suggests alternative coaching figures, including Gilbert Arenas and Rick Brunson, challenging the current coaching choices.
Stephen A. counters by expressing skepticism about Josh's coaching qualifications, emphasizing the importance of experience and proven success in coaching roles.
Beyond coaching, the duo delves into player performances, discussing the impact of injuries and the strategies employed against key players like Jalen Brunson.
Josh responds by highlighting player resilience and criticizing the coaching staff for not managing player health effectively.
Amidst the intense basketball discussion, Stephen A. and Josh engage in humorous exchanges about personal matters, including skybox tickets and family dynamics.
This segment adds a personal touch to the episode, showcasing the familial relationship between Stephen A. and Josh while maintaining the show's entertaining tone.
Towards the episode's conclusion, Josh brings up his efforts to negotiate his contract, leading to a discussion about family trust and financial matters.
Stephen A. addresses concerns about trust and boundary-setting within the family, emphasizing the importance of transparent and honest communication.
The episode wraps up with a blend of sports analysis, family interaction, and light-hearted humor. Stephen A. Smith successfully balances his role as a seasoned sports commentator with his personal relationship with Josh, providing listeners with both insightful NBA discussions and relatable family dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
Anthony Edwards' Ascendancy: Edwards is emerging as a formidable force in the NBA, potentially surpassing established stars.
Coaching Strategies Under Scrutiny: JJ Redick's decisions during the playoffs are debated, highlighting the fine line between strategy and overextension.
Family Dynamics in the Spotlight: The interplay between Stephen A. and Josh underscores the challenges and humor of intertwining personal relationships with professional discussions.
Player Health and Team Performance: Effective player management remains crucial for team success in high-stakes playoff environments.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
"Anthony Edwards is 23 years old and he is the best player on the floor compared to LeBron James, Luka Doncic or anybody else you want to bring to the table." – Stephen A. Smith ([01:00])
"Tom Thibodeau should be the first coach up during the playoffs to be fired." – Josh ([10:03])
"He is Jordanesque. You realize that, right?" – Stephen A. Smith ([05:11])
"I think Gilbert Arenas should be the coach and not JJ Reddick." – Josh ([08:47])
"Why should I have to give you anything since you've already been taking without my permission?" – Stephen A. Smith ([15:25])
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the NBA playoffs, the evolving landscape of player performance, and the intricate dynamics of coaching decisions, all wrapped in the entertaining and candid style that fans have come to expect from The Stephen A. Smith Show.