Kai Cenat, a popular online streamer and YouTuber who has gained fame in recent years and is an avid basketball fan, lost his cool and took a shot at Stephen A. Smith on live TV while defending LeBron James.
Cenat was invited as a guest on “First Take,” where he debated basketball with Smith. The GOAT discussion between Michael Jordan and James naturally came up, and Cenat got heated.
Kai Cenat Accuses Stephen A. Smith of Being a LeBron James Hater
When it comes to the GOAT debate, most fans can acknowledge both James and Jordan’s greatness and keep a balanced view. However, some, like Smith, often take shots at James to elevate Jordan. Cenat caught on to this and didn’t hesitate to call it out on air.
“When it comes to LeBron James, you start hating. That’s how I feel,” Cenat said. “Because I feel like you’re more of an older-generation type of dude — you like Michael Jordan, cool. But listen — every time when there is a debate going on … you always got something to say about LBJ, and I’m here to say, bro, LeBron’s better than Jordan. I said it.”
Kai Cenat goes after Stephen A. Smith
"When it comes to LeBron James, you start hating. That's how I feel. Because I feel like you're more of an older generation type of dude."
(🎥 @FirstTake / h/t @awfulannouncing )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 6, 2025
Cenat continued, “Michael Jordan ain’t never had 50,000 points. … LeBron James is 40 years old and he’s performing better than half the people in the league. Do you understand that? Do you understand the greatness that’s going on right now?”
While some fans might think Cenat made a valid argument, Smith wasn’t having it and quickly chastised him for claiming James is better than Jordan.
There are plenty of reasons Smith might consider Jordan the GOAT over James. In fact, some might argue that no matter what James accomplishes before he retires, Smith’s stance won’t change. After all, James can’t erase the past or undo certain mistakes.
Stephen A. just realized he’s officially in the ‘old head’ category
— Perfect Pool (@perfectpoolplay) March 6, 2025
Either way, fans were entertained as Cenat called out Smith, arguing that his age makes him more biased than most. While the GOAT debate may never have a definitive answer, fans should respect differing opinions and avoid taking the discussion personally.