JJ Redick - Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets
DENVER, CO - JJ Redick announces the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on October 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

Former NBA player JJ Redick did not hold back against ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith when the latter said he "did not understand" what Redick was talking about.

The 15-year NBA veteran spoke about the rumors surrounding Lakers star LeBron James' potential retirement.

JJ Redick Disses Stephen A. Smith's Basketball Career

Redick first stated that LeBron James teasing his own retirement might have ernesty with it and not just for a calculated reason, according to FOX Sports.

Further rumors swirled that James' recent comments about his future might be a call for the Lakers to improve their roster or even acquire Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.

The sharpshooter also commented that the Lakers star is coming off his twentieth season at age 38, including a long playoff run where he's had to play a ton of minutes with an injury.

"It's just human nature that you would begin to say, 'Oh, maybe I'm nearing the end,'" Redick said.

Stephen A. Smith responded that he didn't understand much about what Redick said, despite listening to every word.

Redick began taking shots at Smith's short-lived basketball career, saying, "You didn't play. You don't understand athletic mortality. Three games at, wherever, South Dakota, Winston-Salem State doesn't count."

Smith responded to the personal comments gracefully, saying that he earned his degree and sitting in the same broadcast as the former NBA vet, meaning he must have done something right.

Redick later apologized to Smith for his comments in the same broadcast, as per ClutchPoints.