Stephen A. Smith turned First Take into his own showcase.

The ESPN flagship features a revolving cast of talking heads, but there is only one center of its cinematic universe.

Back in the day, there was a more balanced offering with Max Kellerman acting as a foil to Smith having replaced Skip Bayless.

Kellerman was ousted in 2021 and has since seen his former colleague land a $100 million contract that places him among the best-paid broadcasters and build a media empire that has spilled over into politics.

Smith has taken a few shots at the departed co-host in the years since.

Kellerman, who is releasing his own show for The Ringer with Rich Paul, has now fired back on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

“Stephen A. has no hot takes,” Kellerman said. “Stephen A., almost never, I can’t th

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