Australian NBA star Andrew Bogut has lashed out at controversial ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, calling him a “wanker”.

The loudly spoken journalist, who stars on ESPN’s morning talk show First Take, is a divisive figure in US sports who often takes unpopular positions on sport and social issues while also calling out major athletes.

The Australian centre, who plays for Golden State Warriors, has had public spats with Smith in the past and he held no punches when asked about Smith while appearing on the Australian basketball podcast Downtown, released on Tuesday.

Earlier this month Smith referred to Bogut as “Andrew Bogus” and said people called Bogut a “tin man” behind his back, a reference to the Wizard of Oz character who didn’t have a heart.