Stephen A. Smith, LeBron James and Bronny James (Images Credit: Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers made history in their second preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. LeBron James and his son Bronny James took the court together, becoming the first active father-son duo in NBA history. Although this milestone was a momentous occasion, the game concluded with a close 114-118 loss for the Lakers, and the pairing drew some criticism.
Prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed frustration with the negative narrative surrounding the LeBron and Bronny collaboration. On a recent episode of First Take, Smith passionately defended LeBron.
“I’ve been very disgusted at the cynics out there who’ve gotten at LeBron about this. I want to remind everybody who was talking about here. We’re talking about somebody where you can make a legitimate argument that there is no one who has done more for the game of basketball in the modern era,” Smith said.
“I’ve been very disgusted at the cynics out there who’ve gotten at LeBron [James] about this… He’s earned the right to facilitate [Bronny] being a teammate of his [on the Lakers]… If it was somebody else, we wouldn’t be saying it.”
— Stephen A. Smith
pic.twitter.com/X7sTENM3Wh— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2024
“He’s earned the right to facilitate (Bronny) being a teammate of his. If it was somebody else, we wouldn’t be saying it,” he added.
LeBron James Reflects On Emotional First Game With Son Bronny
Though the Lakers ended their second preseason game with a loss, the game marked a new beginning for LeBron James and Bronny James. Following the game, the proud father shared his excitement about sharing the court for the first time with his son.
“We’ll kind of get used to it, but it’s pretty cool. It’s pretty cool for the both of us, and especially for our family. It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget,” LeBron said.
LeBron made a strong impact in the game, playing for 16 minutes and finishing with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. On the other hand, Bronny grabbed two rebounds and failed to score a point in his 13-minute appearance against the Suns on Sunday.
