Stephen A. Smith is refusing to back down after his viral comments dubbing the Los Angeles Lakers roster 'White Dude Central' sparked accusations of racism. The ESPN personality took to his YouTube channel on Thursday to fire back at former Fox Sports host Emmanuel Acho over the escalating media feud.
Earlier in the week, Smith caused an uproar by mocking the Lakers' newly assembled core of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. The veteran broadcaster argued that the franchise could never successfully compete for an NBA championship with an all-white group of star players leading the charge.
Acho slammed the commentary on his show, Speakeasy, calling the take racist and accusing Smith of feeding into stereotypes that held back Black quarterbacks. "You don't have the luxury of crying out 'racism' and then simultaneously spewing a racist remark. We just don't have that luxury," Acho said. He added: "Contrary to Stephen A.'s belief that somebody gotta say it, nobody had to say it."
Smith's response
Despite being on a scheduled summer break from his daily ESPN and SiriusXM duties, Smith jumped in front of a camera to respond. He rejected Acho's perspective as a "weak argument" and doubled down on his take on the Lakers' offseason moves.
"I'm going to say what I feel," Smith said in the video. "You are absolutely right. Every truth ain't meant to be told, particularly at certain times. And I'm sensitive to that... but damn."
Smith pointed to the roster shakeup, citing the departure of LeBron James as the main reason for his lack of faith in the new squad. "The Lakers recently agreed to the deal [for] Luka, you turn around and sign Austin Reaves. Not only that, you go out and you get Walker Kessler," Smith said. "In the meantime, LeBron James walks out the building... and I'm saying, 'Hey, these are the Lakers. That ain't gonna cut it.'"
Personal jabs
Smith then made the confrontation personal, expressing sarcastic shock that Acho, who has built his brand around hosting what he calls "uncomfortable conversations" and frequently uses provocative language on his own broadcasts, would try to police the discussion.
"I didn't know you were the kind of brother that felt like certain things shouldn't be said," Smith said. "That's news to me, considering how many things you say. I wasn't aware of that. I'm kind of surprised hearing that from you... considering the inordinate amount of subjects you tackle that nobody thinks to tackle."
Smith closed by saying he deeply respects the many white athletes who have forged legendary NBA careers, insisting his commentary was strictly about basketball fit rather than racial prejudice.
