{
  "id": 16769750,
  "title": "Stephen A Smith Blasts Kawhi Leonard After Brutal Injury News",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/stephen-a-smith-blasts-kawhi-leonard-after-brutal-injury-news",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T17:09:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/stephen-a-smith-blasts-kawhi-leonard-after-brutal-injury-news-12625343"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stephen A. Smith took aim at Kawhi Leonard after hearing news of the star's injury, blasting him for his inability to stay healthy. Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP and two-time champion, is now expected to miss multiple weeks due to swelling in his left knee. The Toronto Raptors, who lost their first game of the season 117-94, announced that medical imaging revealed no acute injury, but Smith's reaction on ESPN's First Take was harsh. \"This is the worst superstar in the history of sports,\" Smith said. \"He knows exactly what it takes to be ready, but he's the master at getting paid without working.\" Smith questioned Leonard about his offseason preparation, asking why the veteran was getting time off just two weeks into the season after being traded from Los Angeles. The injury brings back concerns about Leonard's consistency, as he has yet to play a full 82-game season throughout his career and has dealt with multiple knee injuries.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith blasted Kawhi Leonard after the Raptors star suffered another setback just one week into the NBA season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Stephen A. Smith criticizes Kawhi Leonard for injury issues.",
    "Leonard expected to miss weeks due to knee swelling.",
    "Smith questions Leonard's offseason preparation and work ethic."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}