Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down on New Nickname for Anthony Davis After ‘Atrocious’ Game

The Lakers star had an ugly season debut.

It may have only been the first game of the 2023-24 NBA season, but Stephen A. Smith has already seen enough from Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers.

After a scoreless second half from Davis led the Lakers to 119-107 opening night defeat against the Nuggets, Smith called the star big man’s play “atrocious” and believes it’s proof of why the Lakers will come up short in their hunt for another ring this season.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain't going to win no championship this year,” Smith said. “I’m so ticked off at Anthony Davis right now, it’s an embarrassment what happened with him yesterday.”

.@stephenasmith says AD's performance vs. the Nuggets was "atrocious" 😳

"Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers ain't going to win no championship this year." pic.twitter.com/Tal1NENw1K

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 25, 2023

Ouch.

Smith also used a hilarious analogy for his issues with Davis’ play.

“Charles Barkley calls him ‘street clothes’. I said no. I call him ‘Six Flags’. He’s a rollercoaster,” Smith said. “He’s up and down. You never know what you’re going to get.”

He also got fired up when discussing Davis failing to score a single point in the second half, referring to it as “trash” in a fiery rant.

“You’ve got skills, otherworldly skills, and you’re going to put forth a trashy performance like that in the second half against the reigning defending NBA champions?” Smith said.

Fans seemed to agree with Stephen A’s impassioned rant.

Steven A ranting? NBA IS BACK!! 😭😭 https://t.co/hhxLlQTuva

— Baba KaMinnie (@GeniusWelcome) October 25, 2023

Facts https://t.co/RWBJEiAxo7

— JB (@BriteWorld23) October 25, 2023

Things we have known about him and the #Lakers for years.... So why did everyone pick them as a contender 24 hours ago? Did everyone think he was going to finally be a dog all of a sudden? Still a .500 team with star power. https://t.co/i6gEL8qZKg

— Cerrone Battle (@Cerrone_Battle) October 25, 2023

Idk why yall be so shocked at Anthony Davis. He is who he is at this point https://t.co/0oGv1IiXha

— . (@MLWIII_) October 25, 2023

I can’t argue with that. He was pure trash last night. SMH https://t.co/dy8bcYVLbD

— G Baby 💥 (@DreEvans_) October 25, 2023