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Kevin Durant calls out Stephen A. Smith, “He’s lying”

By Kyle Franzoni

Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up the court against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up the court against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA superstar Kevin Durant says that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is lying about his sources touting Durant’s desire to go the Lakers.

There is no doubt that Kevin Durant will be the most highly sought-after free agent next summer, and there will be no shortage of suitors looking to add him as the centerpiece of their team for the next several seasons. However, Durant also wants to remind us all that he’s not quite there yet and any rumor that he’s looking at specific teams right now are just a fabrication.

Speaking with Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, Durant put to rest any linger questions of whether or not he favored the Lakers over any other team and proceeded to lambaste ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith over his purported sources saying otherwise.

Stephen A. Smith isn’t the only ESPN personality to receive backlash for purportedly making up rumors. Co-worker Chris Broussard came under fire earlier this year for his handling of the DeAndre Jordan – Mavericks situation.  Of course, this could also be a case of a player trying to not tip his hand as well.

Durant, who will officially be an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, headlines a pretty impressive free agency class next summer. That list includes names like Andre Drummond (restricted), Bradley Beal (restricted), Al Horford (unrestricted), Dwayne Wade (unrestricted), and Mike Conley (unrestricted), among others. However, there is no doubt that Durant is the big fish.

The 8th-year forward was held to just 27 games in 2014-15, averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season. However, he was coming off of an MVP season the year prior, where those numbers were a much higher 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per contest.

Still just 27-years-old, Durant could fetch the largest contract in the game’s history and the Lakers could be one of the teams most interested in him, especially if Kobe Bryant retires. However, there will be no shortage of competition, and Oklahoma City isn’t about to just let him go without a fight either.

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