Rarely does an athlete of Durant's stature take time to address criticism, though the morning after Phoenix's season-opening win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant couldn't hold back on something said about him via ESPN's Stephen A Smith.

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer must have heard Kevin Durant’s leadership being questioned over the years. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith just criticized him Thursday for not being a better leader who can have an impact on teammates because of the respect he’s earned as an all-time great player.

After the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime, spoiling Steve Ballmer’s Intuit Dome debut in Los Angeles, ESPN’s Stephen A Smith had some harsh words for superstar Kevin Durant.