Kings Reporters Caught on Hot Mic Calling Ben Simmons ‘Cringe’ and Zach LaVine a ‘Prick’

Reporters covering the Sacramento Kings media day were caught on an unfiltered hot mic discussing NBA players Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine. The conversation included remarks about Simmons' appearance and labeling him "cringe," alongside personal criticisms of LaVine's personality. The original livestream broadcast was subsequently removed, though recorded clips began circulating widely on social media platforms.

None of the reporters involved in the audio have been publicly identified, and neither the players mentioned nor their teams have formally responded to the leak. The incident follows a similar hot-mic occurrence involving Toronto Raptors reporters criticizing Scottie Barnes and Jonathan Mogbo during the previous season.