Stephen A. Smith had a tough message for LeBron James Wednesday, “pleading” with the NBA star to do something about his son, Bronny James.
Smith said on First Take that he’s rooting for Bronny James, but he doesn’t belong in the NBA right now.
The Los Angeles Lakers recently called up the 20-year-old from their NBA G League affiliate, and he got the opportunity to play significant minutes Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Things did not go well. James went scoreless in 15 minutes, missing all five shots, including three from 3-point range. He also had three turnovers and got isolated several times on buckets by 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.
Afterward, head coach JJ Redick said he’d “maybe put him in a tough spot.”
The rookie’s performance prompted Smith to speak out.
“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. “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. The first game of the season … father-son duo playing in an NBA game for the first time, an absolutely, positively wonderful story.
“And then reality sets in. We love what we’re seeing from (Bronny) in the G League, because that’s where you belong, as you hone your skills and you get better and you legitimately earn, which I believe he has the potential to do. I am rooting for Bronny James … he’s a wonderful kid, I wish him nothing but the best.”
Smith then ran down James’ statistics, which are poor even by end-of-the-bench player standards.
“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, he has scored four points, he is shooting 1-for-16 from the field. … How are you doing him favors!” Smith said.
“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.”
“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
Drama has followed Bronny James since even before the 2024 NBA Draft, when the Lakers selected him No. 55 overall despite critics who said he was not ready for the league. Interestingly enough, in October, Smith spoke out in support of LeBron and Bronny James playing together, saying fans and media owed the NBA legend grace for bringing his son to the Lakers.
“For him to have his son on the team with him, I’ve got no issues with it whatsoever,” Smith said at the time. “LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith’s grace has apparently run out, as Bronny James’ struggles have become apparent. As Smith pointed out, “he’s a wonderful kid” and he’s been lighting up the G League. But he’s not ready for the NBA.
