“I Do Not Have Sons”: Stephen A. Smith’s Heartfelt Plea To LeBron James For Letting Bronny Forge His Own NBA Path

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ dismal stint cemented their caliber for the current season. The franchise now harbors several questions looming about its future, players, and staff. Amidst all of them, the ones surrounding LeBron James and Bronny James take center stage. For Bronny, it’s either the 2024 NBA drafts or continuing his college days; both being a major learning curve from his latest season with USC. With that, Stephen A. Smith jots up personal advice to LeBron James, one that probably comes from his fatherhood.

“I do not have sons, but I’m a dad,” Smith radiates the gravity of his sentiments. He makes a “plea to LeBron James,” urging the 39-year-old superstar to prevent his stardom from interfering in Bronny’s NBA entry. “Please do not have anything at all to do with your son getting to the NBA,” Smith says. He argues that because of Bronny’s USC stint, “no one’s going to give him the benefit of the doubt.” With that, it won’t be hard for the league to label Bronny’s drafting success as simply a result of his father’s influence.

While Smith is all for James providing Bronny with the services of his NBA agent Rich Paul, the reporter asserts, “You got to let him earn his stripes,” when it comes to carving a pro-basketball career. With that aside, Smith quips that Bronny “should go back to school and show that he has the skills and the resume” capable enough to make it to the drafts. Nevertheless, Bronny has already declared for the drafts and can see NBA court time very soon.

In that case, Smith thinks that Bronny’s severely under-par USC stint might work to the Los Angeles Lakers’ benefit.

Stephen A. hints at the reality of a LeBron James and Bronny team-up

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Adrian Wojnarowski, after being in conversation with Rich Paul (LeBron James and Bronny’s agent), claims that James’ ultimate desire to share the court with his son is “not a priority” anymore. He cites that the Lakers, because of their immediate need for talent, will not use their #17 pick for Bronny.

Moreover, he claims that by the time they could use their 55th pick, Bronny will no longer be available. However, Smith believes that the NBA insider can be wrong in his prediction.

Stephen believes that Bronny, because of his stats from USC and recent medical history, will be available at the end of the second-round drafts. The only contrasting scenario comes if an NBA team desires to grab LeBron James by drafting Bronny; a notion that is already shunned by Rich Paul.

Currently, the father-son duo grip the attention of fans like no other. James is seeking an extension with the Lakers and has an option to opt out of his current contract. With that, only time could tell what the future holds for the duo.

However, if LeBron’s wish comes true, will Bronny develop to be the superstar that the Lakers have been looking to grow? Or will he simply don a role-player’s jersey when Bron hangs his?