Stephen A. Smith Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Stephen A. Smith responds to Lonzo Ball's viral video on report about guard's injury status

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 8/24/23

Stephen A. Smith isn't backing down following his latest report on the injury outlook of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. After Smith's comments on ESPN's "First Take" about Ball's knee injury, in which he said that he "heard that it's even hard for [Ball] to get up from the sitting position," he received a pointed response from none other than the guard himself.

Ball posted a video showing himself standing and sitting off his injured leg numerous times while telling Smith to "stop yapping" with a caption stating for the analyst to "come to the actual source next time." But unsurprisingly, that wasn't the end of the back-and-forth, as Smith made sure to get not just one, but two more responses on the topic.

The first came during ESPN's "First Take" once again the following day, in which he called out a combination of Ball and essentially the entire internet or at least those who sided with the Bulls guard.

Stephen A. Smith sends a message to Lonzo Ball

“Bro, you ain't healthy.”

(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/60c5KGvrNX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2023

This wasn't all that surprising, but the fact Smith doubled down so hard on the topic was at least noteworthy. Then on "The Smith A. Smith Show," the ESPN personality went one step further, essentially saying directly who his source was on that information.

Stephen A. Smith claims his sources are Lonzo Ball’s doctors

“Would you like me to tell you the names of the doctors that operated on you? I know the actual Doctor’s…..if I said it it’s because someone close to you told me.”

(h/t @shannonsharpeee)

pic.twitter.com/3PfUpSCx64
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2023

As seen above, Smith points back to the doctors who operated on Ball while discussing his initial comments. This seems likely to be the end of the back-and-forth between the two, as it'd be more than a bit shocking if Ball responds in any fashion. But it's safe to say if he returns after this upcoming year and is able to play at a high level again, Ball will have Smith's name circled as one critic he may have some words for.

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