The LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith saga has been running wild. But now, Smith is shifting the conversation back to Bronny James.
After his courtside run-in with LeBron, Smith took to “The Skip Bayless Show” in his first reunion with Bayless in nearly a decade. He was locked in to set the record straight on Bronny’s NBA potential.
And for once, it sounds like Smith isn’t here to drag the kid.
Stephen A. Believes in Bronny James — But With a Catch
Let’s face it, Smith has been at the center of a firestorm, calling out LeBron for supposedly “manipulating” his son’s NBA journey. But now? He’s clarifying that he believes Bronny has a real future in the league.
“I personally think that Bronny has potential to be an NBA player,” Smith said.
He pointed to Bronny’s success in the NBA G League, emphasizing that the young guard isn’t just riding his father’s coattails.
“With the success that he’s had in the G League and learning the game from the greatest basketball savant of the modern era. … I got a lot of confidence in him that he will be in the pros someday and that he will deserve it,” Smith said
But of course, this is Smith — so there was a little shade mixed in.
“Everybody knows what it is for the moment being, and some people are more receptive to embracing that than others.” Smith is saying Bronny’s still a work in progress, and not everyone in the league is sold on him yet.
LeBron James’ Influence Still Looms Large
While Smith may be showing some faith in Bronny, the debate about LeBron’s role in his son’s NBA trajectory isn’t going anywhere.
LeBron has made it clear that he wants to play alongside Bronny, and many believe his influence is paving the way for his son — whether he’s ready or not.
The question remains: Would the youngster be getting this much attention without the LeBron factor? But at the same time, it won’t be possible for him to not be in this conversation. At least, not until he makes his own mark in the NBA.
Smith isn’t completely backing off that conversation but for now, he’s at least acknowledging Bronny’s talent. So, will Bronny prove the doubters wrong and make it on his own merit, or will the whispers of nepotism never go away?
One thing’s for sure — this conversation is far from over. And with Smith’s constant shot-firings at James, it’s only a matter of time before The King retaliates. Interesting times to be an NBA fan.
Super Bowl Champion Ryan Clark Chimes In With 1-to-1 With LeBron
When LeBron confronted Smith about his son, he was doing so as a concerned father and not as a basketball player, as Smith later addressed. However, former NFL player Ryan Clark was not convinced that was the best course of action, saying that LeBron needs to let his son experience the trials and tribulations of the NBA life so he can learn how to emerge from the fire.
“I would never compare myself to LeBron James and what he’s accomplished, the stress and the critique that’s come along with being who he is,” Clark said on “The Pivot Podcast” offering a more level-headed approach to the conversation and pleading to LeBron in a 1-on-1 manner.
“That’s a different level of scrutiny and expectation that he’s had as opposed to other athletes.
“I do understand the father part, though, because I got three babies. I’ll kill for mine. More importantly, I’ll die for them. And so, I understand wanting to protect them. … One of Pops’ famous lines on [the movie] ‘Friday’ was, ‘No, baby, let him be a man.’ LeBron has to let Bronny be a man,” Clark said.
I’m not LeBron, but I am a father; & I’m willing to die for mine. I get approaching SAS as a father, but he wasn’t “only” protecting his seed. He was speaking on behalf of another professional athlete who SAS is paid to analyze. Granted, Bronny gets criticized more than any other… pic.twitter.com/VEIYbe66Cl
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 10, 2025
Clark also hypothetically compared the situation between Smith and LeBron to if other famous NBA fathers — like LaVar Ball, father of LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, or Tee Morant, father of Ja Morant — did the same.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back and one-time Pro Bowler contested that the situation would not be as well received if it was another outspoken parent, acknowledging the power LeBron yields as the face of the NBA since he was Bronny’s age.
“LeBron did what he needed to do, but what about Bronny James?” Clark asked. “… Bronny James for a 55th overall pick, for a guy who’s played well in the [NBA] G League and been on the bench and got some minutes in the NBA, he is more negatively critiqued and analyzed than any player who would be picked in that position that does the job the way that he does it.
“But he’s also praised more. He’s also been drafted in a place that his résumé probably didn’t say he should have been drafted in. He’s also benefitted in NIL [Name, Image, and Likeness deals] when he only averaged [4.8] points per game [in college]. He has marketing and commercials and publicity and following and get paid away from the court … because you are LeBron James’ son.”
That’s the problem, who cares what SAS says. He just a sports caster. No more , no less. He doesn’t determine anyone’s future. I will be glad when we get past sport debate. I don’t need anyone deciding my sports for me
LMBO the hate is real 🤣🤣🤣 anybody hating on Bronny don’t know squat about basketball , for him to go from avg 4 pts his 1st few games in G league to avg 21 in a months time speaks volumes of his potential. Brush them haters off Bronny you’re going to be fine ‼️
Bronny not on nba level and he will never be on that level once James retire LA gonna cut him loose , they should send them both on there way trade them both .
If I was Jenny I would’ve told James there’s the door we are not drafting your son .
I wonder what kind of people are Laker’s coach and GM. I know Jenny has no integrity, but those two supprised me.