Stephen A. Smith Says LeBron Needs to “Stop This”
LeBron’s father-son NBA dream was supposed to be a storybook moment. Instead, it’s turning into a lesson in the dangers of rushing development. On a heated segment of First Take, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took the rare step of directly addressing LeBron James, urging him to reconsider his son’s NBA trajectory.
“Stop this,” Smith said, his voice carrying the weight of genuine concern.
“I’m really, really trying to be as respectful as I can possibly be towards LeBron James. I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father: Stop this.”
Smith’s words come at a crucial juncture for Bronny James, whose selection by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft was met with skepticism. That skepticism has only intensified as Bronny’s NBA minutes have yielded little impact—just 3.4 minutes per game across 13 appearances, averaging 0.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists.
His most extended opportunity yet, a 15-minute outing against the Philadelphia 76ers, only amplified the doubts. Bronny finished with zero points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block—a stat line that didn’t just signal a rough night, but a player still searching for his place in a league that has little patience for projects.
But that’s only part of the story. Away from the NBA spotlight, in the more forgiving confines of the G League, Bronny has shown legitimate flashes of promise. With the South Bay Lakers, he’s averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per game. Those numbers suggest that, given the right environment, he has room to grow into a real contributor.
Smith isn’t taking shots—he’s offering perspective. Even before the draft, he warned that Bronny’s path would be different simply because of who his father is. Now, that challenge is playing out in real time, and the conversation around his NBA readiness is growing louder by the game.
