Gayle King’s Question About Kobe’s Rape Case Was ‘Insensitive’, Says Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith says the timing of Gayle King‘s questions about Kobe Bryant‘s rape case was WAY OFF … telling TMZ Sports her interview with Lisa Leslie was “insensitive.”

King has been the center of criticism ever since the interview aired earlier this week … with people upset that she grilled Leslie about Bryant’s 2003 rape case that was later dismissed.

The backlash has gotten so extreme … Oprah claims her friend is getting death threats as a result, despite the majority of the interview being positive.

We spoke with Smith about the whole situation … and he thinks it was inappropriate to bring up that part of Kobe’s past so quickly after his tragic death.

“It’s unfortunate that during this time of grieving, I think the timing of the interview totally was off,” Smith said at LAX.

“With everyone still grieving … to have an interview that was led in that direction, I think the timing was insensitive.”

Smith applauds Leslie’s responses to the tough questions … but wishes she wasn’t in that position to begin with.