Since being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James has faced heavy scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, many have questioned his readiness for the NBA, especially after his most recent performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played 15 minutes but failed to score a single point. Instead, he recorded three rebounds, one assist, and one block. This performance only fueled the criticism, with prominent sports pundits like Stephen A. Smith weighing in on the situation.
During a recent episode of *First Take*, Smith voiced his concerns and made a direct appeal to LeBron James, urging him to reconsider the path his son is on in the NBA. “I’m really, really trying to be as respectful as I can possibly be towards LeBron James,” Smith began. “I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father: stop this. Stop this.” He acknowledged that while Bronny’s presence in the NBA is partly due to his father’s influence, the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
Smith further elaborated, pointing out the emotional aspect of Bronny’s NBA debut on opening night. “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” Smith said. “The first game of the season, opening night, the Griffys in attendance, father-son duo playing in an NBA game for the first time. An absolutely wonderful story.” However, Smith quickly noted that reality has since set in, with Bronny struggling to make an impact at the highest level.
Despite these struggles, Smith clarified that he is rooting for Bronny’s success and believes in his potential. “We love what we’re seeing from him in the G League because that’s where you belong,” Smith continued. He emphasized that Bronny needs time to develop his skills and earn his place in the NBA through consistent performance. “As you hone your skills and get better, and you legitimately earn, which I believe he has the potential to do,” Smith said, advocating for more time in the G League as a developmental step.
Looking at Bronny’s NBA stats, it’s difficult to argue with Smith’s assessment. In 13 NBA games, Bronny has averaged just 3.4 minutes, 0.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game—numbers that reflect his struggle to make a significant impact at the NBA level.
On the other hand, Bronny has shone in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. Across seven games, he’s averaged 26.9 minutes, 13.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. These numbers showcase his potential and the development he’s undergoing outside of the NBA spotlight.
While it’s clear that Bronny James has the potential to become a great player in the NBA, the current spotlight may not be helping him grow as he should. The added pressure of being LeBron James’ son, one of the greatest basketball players in history, only amplifies expectations. Stephen A. Smith believes that the best course of action for Bronny would be to spend more time in the G League, continuing to develop his skills before stepping into a larger role with the Lakers.
In the end, the goal is for Bronny to reach his full potential in the NBA, but rushing him into the league at this stage might do more harm than good. By allowing him to grow in the G League, he will have the time and space to mature as a player, ultimately giving him a better chance to succeed when the time is right.
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