Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant vehemently denied the rumors that placed him with the Los Angeles Lakers should he decide to leave the Thunder in 2016 via free agency.
Durant also took exception with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith who made the initial report on an episode of First Take.
My full interaction with Kevin Durant on the Stephen A Smith rumors pic.twitter.com/83n89hKIvl
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 2, 2015
Durant refuting the rumors is to be expected but personally attacking one of the most respected journalists to cover the league over the last two decades is taking it too far.
These type of rumors are going to surface all year. That’s what happens when you are the marquee player in an upcoming free agent class. People are going to talk about your future when you have the ability to change the outlook for a number of franchises.
It’s something Durant’s going to have to get use to and approach in a more professional manner. Smith is just one of many reporters to not only speak highly of Durant’s basketball ability but his character as well.
It’s not wise for Durant to turn around and bash the same media that has given him a substantial pass throughout his career especially when that favorable coverage could flip at a moment’s notice.
This is also the same media that awarded Durant with the MVP for the 2013-14 season. Maybe Durant’s forgotten the respect the media has shown him while he continues his personal crusade against them.
Smith was none to pleased with Durant’s personal attack nor the critical remarks regarding the media the last couple of years. He offered his response via social media.
"Regarding @KDTrey5 and his negative comments about me, let me say this: At NO time did I ever say I SPOKE to K.D. Or his family. Or his brother, friends, teammates, etc. (although I can assure you all I have on several occasions in the past). I said I HEARD from folks I know — in a league I’ve been covering for 19 years — that if he were to leave OKC as a free agent, these are the cities I was told he was considering. OKC. LA. Miami. DC. NY. I stand by it all. And that is that.His assertion that I was lying is not only FALSE, but totally uncalled for. Especially from a player who receives nothing but praise not only from me, but from practically every media member you can find. Yet, for some reason, we’re all the same folks who don’t know *&%$ about the game of basketball. Whose thoughts he could give a &^%$ about. Essentially, individuals he wishes he’d never have to talk to…..that he’s being forced to tolerate…..as if someone has done something to him…..OF ALL PEOPLE!Don’t know what has happened to Mr. Durant over the years. But I know this much: We all win with his return, because he is an absolute superstar. The NBA is better with him. We’re all at a loss without him. It just appears that @KDTrey5 needs to learn something about today’s world in professional sports:We don’t have to talk TO HIM to talk ABOUT HIM! Folks like ME will still be here. Watching! Listening! Waiting! Reporting! Whether he likes it or not. While he’s here and long after he’s gone. Time to get use to it."
As far as the Lakers report is concerned, it’s not surprising Durant would squash the rumor right out of the gate. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t truth to the report.
Durant’s not about to alienate the Thunder fan base by openly flirting with the Lakers when he’s still under contact with Oklahoma City. That wouldn’t be a good look for anyone involved.
Depending on how the season plays out, Lakers fans shouldn’t be too worried and can still hold out hope for Durant in 2016. That being said, the organization’s youth is going to have to make tremendous strides this season and prove they deserve a player the caliber of Durant.
It’s also going to take the Thunder coming up short in the Western Conference playoffs once again for Durant to even consider leaving Oklahoma City. If they don’t at least make the Conference Finals, Durant is as good as gone.
Smith’s initial report stemmed from a conversation regarding Kobe Bryant‘s future with the Lakers.
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