ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith did not hold back regarding his opinion about New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson. In the 2025-26 NBA season, Williamson has been somewhat healthy. He has appeared in 45 games, and is making the most out of it, averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Despite his respectable play for the team this season, however, Williamson has not escaped criticism. The big man still receives feedback about the injuries he’s had in the past.

On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith took a dig at Williamson for his “food addiction.”

“You got people that are alcoholics, you got people that are drug addicts and stuff like that. What was Zion’s problem? Food! Food addict,” Smith said.

The team’s X account did not let Smith’s comments about their star player go. The account shared some of the ESPN analyst’s lowlights and jokes in retaliation.

“Stick to solitaire Stephen,” the Pelicans posted.

However, Smith’s exchange with the team did not stop there. After his lowlights were posted, the longtime media personality responded on X and gave them a warning for tomorrow’s episode of First Take.

“Pulling out stuff from a decade, two decades, three decades ago, ???? No problem. See y’all tomorrow on @FirstTake. Remember one thing: YOU ASKED FOR THiS!!!!” Smith replied.

This isn’t the first time that Smith has criticized Williamson. Back in December 2023, he commented on the former Duke star’s weight. He went on air and said that chefs in New Orleans are excited to meet the NBA star. After his critique, he asked the star player to get himself together and pleaded for him to get into proper conditioning.

Zion Williamson remains questionable ahead of the Pelicans-Lakers game

The Pelicans expect Williamson back in the lineup after missing one game due to an ankle sprain. On Sunday, the star big man missed their game against the Utah Jazz after being limited on Saturday against the LA Clippers.

Against the Jazz, Williamson was on the floor for only 11 minutes before he had to leave the game. He finished with four points on 50.0% shooting. Despite his limited time, New Orleans extended their win streak to four games.

Unfortunately for the team, Williamson’s absence against the Clippers was important. Their win streak ended at the hands of Kawhi Leonard, who had 23 points against the Pelicans.

During an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, however, Williamson said that he expects to play on Tuesday against the LA Lakers. Ahead of the contest, the team has listed the 6-foot-6 forward as questionable in the injury report. The forward wants to avoid being out of the lineup for an extended period.