On Wednesday, Stephen A. Smith delivered a tough message to LeBron James, “pleading” with the NBA superstar to consider the situation of his son, Bronny James. While Smith expressed his support for Bronny, he noted on First Take that the young player is not currently suited for the NBA.
Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers called up the 20-year-old from their NBA G League affiliate, allowing him to play significant minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, Bronny’s performance was underwhelming; he went scoreless in 15 minutes, missing all five attempts—including three from 3-point range—while also recording three turnovers and being isolated on several plays by 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey. After the game, head coach JJ Redick acknowledged that he may have put Bronny in a difficult position.
In light of Bronny’s struggles, Smith remarked, “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. As a father, I am pleading with LeBron: Stop this. We all know that Bronny is in the NBA because of his dad. The first game of the season featured this father-son duo playing together, and it’s a wonderful story, but then reality sets in. We appreciate what Bronny is doing in the G League, which is where he belongs as he hones his skills and deserves the chance to grow, and I believe he has the potential to do that. I am rooting for Bronny; he’s a great kid, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Smith analyzed James’ dismal statistics, which are notably poor even by the standards of end-of-bench players, stating, “You know what people are saying, you know what they’re going to do to this kid. In 13 games, he has played 44 minutes, scored four points, and shot 1-for-16 from the field. … How are you doing him favors!” He continued with compassion, emphasizing, “We know that he’s not ready yet! I’m asking the greatest player in the game, one of the greatest we will ever see, who is a basketball savant, to consider what these numbers mean for your son. You’re exposing him like this.”
“I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this.” 😳 @stephenasmith reacts to Bronny James’ play in the Lakers 118-104 loss to the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/bk5D0DS42N
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
Bronny James has faced drama since before the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Lakers selected him as the 55th overall pick, despite critics claiming he wasn’t ready for the league. In October, Smith had expressed support for LeBron and Bronny playing together, stating that fans and media should give grace to the NBA legend for having his son on the team. “For him to have his son on the team with him, I’ve got no issues with it whatsoever,” Smith remarked at the time. “LeBron James has earned that.” However, as Bronny’s struggles become more glaring, Smith’s patience appears to have worn thin. While emphasizing that “he’s a wonderful kid” who is excelling in the G League, Smith concluded that Bronny is simply not prepared for the demands of the NBA.
