One of the biggest stories of the upcoming NBA season is Kevin Durant's pending free agency. The Lakers, because they're the Lakers, are always rumored to be in play for major superstars on the open market.

When Stephen A. Smith reported Durant was more interested in Los Angeles than the Washington Wizards or the New York Knicks, it seemed to be business as usual. Here's what he said:

"Regardless of how senseless it may (sound), in one breath I'm hearing that if Kevin Durant doesn't stay in Oklahoma City, L.A. is his primary objective and landing spot as opposed to South Beach or even his home of Washington, D.C."

A rumor like this would usually pass by quickly in the rapid NBA news cycle, but Durant wasn't OK with that, telling reporters this on Friday:

Kevin Durant on the Lakers rumors: "I don't talk to Stephen A Smith at all. No one in my family, my friends do. So he's lying." — Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 2, 2015

That's about as strong as Durant could reject those rumors without tweeting this Vine at him. (Warning: the Vine has profanity):

UPDATE: Stephen A. has responded and ... man this is creepy:

It just appears that @KDTrey5 needs to learn something about today's world in professional sports:

We don't have to talk TO HIM to talk ABOUT HIM!

Folks like ME will still be here. Watching! Listening! Waiting! Reporting!

Whether he likes it or not. While he's here and long after he's gone.

Time to get use to it.

Stephen A. also called Durant's comments "totally uncalled for" ... and that was before the response went off the rails.

* * *