While pre-existing skepticism toward Bronny James continues to grow throughout the summer, Stephen A. Smith gave an honest assessment about his place on the Lakers’ roster next season.
Following his equally celebrated and criticized draft selection for his father’s team, LeBron James’ junior has been at the forefront of the media spotlight as he competes in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
After three competitive games, Smith expressed his immediate impression of Bronny’s play at this level.
“What we’ve seen from Bronny James so far,” Smith said before pausing. “All I’m going to say is that unless there’s a big improvement, the only time he’s best to see is sitting on the bench or in practice.”
“Because if he’s there on the basketball court, no one is going to believe it’s because of his merits.”
Stephen A. Smith said Bronny James won’t play for the Lakers unless he improves greatly
Through his first three games in Sin City, the rookie is averaging 7.3 points, three rebounds and 0.03 assists per game, shooting 30 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from three-point range. He is playing an average of 25.1 minutes.
With cries of nepotism already surrounding his entry into the league given his father’s position and his less-than-NBA-worthy numbers, Smith doubled down on how he would be perceived once the season begins.
“They’ll think it’s because of LeBron James and you already think that anyway, and that puts him in a bad light,” Smith continued. “That’s why I’ve never seen it, because I never wanted to have to cover him because I don’t want to do that to the guy.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
LeBron and Bronny will be the first father and son to play together in the NBA
LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists for the Lakers last season.
Bronny is averaging 7.3 points, three rebounds and 0.03 assists per game in the Summer League.
“I want to give him a chance to grow and shine. It’s not his fault that his father was out there doing what he did, in terms of promoting his name everywhere.”
“And I don’t mean that in an insulting way,” Smith added. “I’m not trying to be remotely disrespectful to LeBron James. He should be congratulated, he loves his son so much, it’s not a crime. You’re so media-savvy, you had to know what kind of pressure was going to be on his shoulders.”
The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick after 25 games and six starts for the USC Trojans.
He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists as his team finished with a 15-18 record, finishing ninth in the Pac-12.
