The truth hurts, but sometimes it’s done out of love. Maybe what’s behind Stephen A. Smith’s latest take on Bronny James. The ESPN star host has raised concerns over Bronny James’ latest struggles in the NBA, urging LeBron James to reconsider his son’s current position with the Los Angeles Lakers. After Bronny’s underwhelming performance in a recent game, where he played 15 minutes, missed all five of his shots, and committed three turnovers, Smith voiced his concerns on First Take.
“I’m really, really trying to be as respectful as I possibly can be toward LeBron James, one of the top two or three players in the history of basketball,” Smith said on Wednesday’s show. “I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”
Get this: Smith acknowledged LeBron’s immense achievements–you know the obvious–but pointed out that Bronny’s presence in the NBA might be more due to his famous father than his current readiness. He clarified that he has “no issues” with the two playing together but warned that LeBron’s actions could harm his son’s development.
“With his struggles, LeBron is not doing his son any favors,” Smith continued. “We know that he’s not ready yet! And I’m saying this with compassion! I’m asking the greatest player in the game, one of the greatest we have ever, or will ever see, who is a basketball savant, you know what these numbers mean, to your son, you’re exposing your son like this.”
As you probably know, Bronny has faced heavy scrutiny since being selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the summer, with some critics suggesting nepotism played a role in his draft position. Despite limited NBA minutes, Bronny has had more success in the G League, where he averages 16.3 points per game, far surpassing his performance at USC, where he averaged less than five points per game in his single season.
Smith’s comments call for LeBron to reevaluate how much playing time Bronny should get at this stage of his career, given his difficulties on the court. Maybe that’s a Lakers organization decision. Maybe not. But Stephen A. seems to think it rests solely on Bron.