Stephen A. Smith defends LeBron James and Bronny James amid criticism

Stephen A. Smith has established himself as one of the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer of ESPN's “First Take,” Smith dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show was number one in the ratings from 2016 to 2023.

Recently, Smith sent the NBA community into a frenzy after defending Lakers superstar LeBron James after the future Hall of Famer received backlash over possible nepotism surrounding the drafting of his son Bronny James to the storied franchise.

“As we think about the NBA and what has become of the 11-year, $76 billion contract it recently signed with various television networks and streaming providers, I have a message for you: “Is that possible if it weren’t for LeBron James?” Smith asked in an episode of his YouTube show.

“Do you have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball? … And for him to have his son on the team with him, I have no problems with that … LeBron James deserves that.”

When Smith shares this opinion with his viewers, he shows that he recognizes the impact James has had on the NBA over the past 22 seasons. It's clear that the prominent sports personality knows that Bronny is still a newbie and still has a lot to prove.

However, Smith believes the basketball community should show him a certain amount of patience.

“He did a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it's not about Bronny, it's about Bron, as in Lebron…Stand back, fall back, relax the fuck and let the man do his thing with his son, and times see what and how Bronny develops in the coming years.”

LeBron James has defied father time as he enters the 22nd year of his illustrious career, and even now he continues to make history. Next season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father-son duo will share the court together on the same team.

The backlash James' family has received for making history together comes from haters who despise LeBron, not his son, and that will be something they will continue to overcome.

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