Bronny James’ struggles in the NBA are no longer just a topic for debate-they’re now the center of a public plea from one of sports media’s loudest voices.
After another rough performance from the rookie guard, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back, urging LeBron James to reconsider his son’s current path.
“This isn’t helping him. It’s hurting him,” Smith said emphatically on First Take.
The concerns stem from Bronny‘s numbers, which paint a grim picture of his early NBA career. His latest outing saw him go scoreless in 15 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, missing all five of his attempts from the floor, including three from beyond the arc.
In 13 games with the Lakers, he has barely made an impact, averaging just 0.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists while connecting on only one of his 16 shots this season.
Smith argues that while Bronny‘s presence in the league is a feel-good story, it’s a storyline that should have remained in the G League-where he has actually shown promise. In nine games with the Lakers’ affiliate, he’s putting up 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per contest.
“We all know why he’s in the NBA right now,” Smith continued. “It’s because of his dad. And that’s fine for a moment, but the moment is over. Now, we’re watching a kid struggle in real time under a microscope that no 19-year-old should have to face.”
The Lakers selecting Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft was met with skepticism, given his underwhelming freshman season at USC, where he averaged just 4.8 points per game after recovering from a cardiac arrest scare. Many viewed it as a favor to LeBron, who has openly expressed his dream of sharing the court with his son before he retires.
Despite the backlash, LeBron remains firm in his belief that these early NBA experiences will only benefit Bronny in the long run.
“He’s going to continue to use this and get better and better,” LeBron told ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith disagrees with LeBron
However, Smith doesn’t see it that way.
“You know what these numbers mean. You know what it’s going to do to your son,” Smith warned. “There are guys busting their tails in the G League, in Europe, waiting for a shot. This isn’t doing Bronny any favors-it’s exposing him.”
For now, the Lakers appear committed to keeping Bronny in the rotation. But with each passing game, the debate only intensifies: Is this truly preparing him for success, or is it setting him up for failure?