Molly Qerim shuts up Stephen A. Smith in fiery live TV rant: 'He wants every free agent to go to the Lakers; he hates small markets'

Stephen A. Smith has built up quite a reputation for delivering impassioned monologues behind the camera, often silencing any opposition with his opinions. However, during a heated debate on First Take, the tables turned as Molly Qerim delivered a scathing critique of Smith's obsession with blockbuster trades.

The clapback

The tension began with a discussion about trades. During the segment, the female host interrupted Smith's exuberant pitch involving his take on potential big moves, cutting to the heart of the matter.

“It’s not sexy enough for you,” Qerim said. “Stephen A. is all box office; he wants every free agent to go to the Lakers; he hates small markets… Every time there’s a good player in Milwaukee or wherever, you’re like, ‘Bring him to New York, go to the Knicks, go to the Lakers, let’s have LeBron [James] and Steph [Curry] play together.”

In the recent rumors involving James and Curry, Smith expressed enthusiasm for James teaming up with Curry, calling it “special.” While the Golden State Warriors reportedly explored trade options with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, LBJ showed no interest in leaving Los Angeles. Despite the rumors fizzling, pairing two generational talents has remained a hot topic, fueled by their successful collaboration at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they won gold for Team USA.

A big trade enthusiast

That isn’t a new phenomenon for the senior ESPN analyst. In 2017, when Paul George was leaving the Indiana Pacers, Smith insisted he belonged in Los Angeles. Instead, PG opted for Oklahoma City before joining the Los Angeles Clippers.

More recently, the television personality suggested the forward should “chase a ring” during his free agency this summer. Still, the veteran forward surprised many by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Qerim’s critique extended beyond specific players, touching on a broader issue of undermining smaller markets. While Smith’s views align with a portion of the fanbase craving blockbuster trades, they contrast sharply with the league's current state. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, who won the 2023 NBA Championship behind Nikola Jokić, and the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo to a title in 2021, have proven that smaller markets can succeed without star-studded acquisitions.