Stephen A. Smith has blasted the critics out there about the Bronny and LeBron James narrative, after the father-son duo took the court together for the first time during pre-season.

"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. Smithpic.twitter.com/X7sTENM3Wh

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2024

“I’ve been very disgusted at the cynics out there who’ve gotten at LeBron [James] about this,” Smith said on First Take. “I want to remind everybody who were 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. Yes, I can be critical about some jump shooting, yes I can be critical about him having a podcast when he knows his coach is on the hot seat and stuff like that. But make no mistake about it, I don’t slip when it comes to recognising a) his greatness and b) what he has meant for the game of basketball. He’s earned the right to facilitate [Bronny] being a teammate of his [on the Lakers]…Let’s understand – while Bronny has a lot to prove and we’re wishing him nothing but the best and all the luck in the world, LeBron James has earned the right to have the kind of cache that can manipulate the proceedings to such a degree. This man is one of the top one / two best players in the history of basketball; but what he has achieved as an ambassador for the game, he’s earned the right to have himself in this situation for his son to be on that basketball court with him. If it was somebody else, we wouldn’t be saying it.”

LeBron spoke about the moment he took the court with Bronny, which was made all the special as it was Bronny’s 20th birthday.

“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron said. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids, have that influence on your son, have those moments with your son. Then ultimately, to be able to work with your son – it’s one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for or wish for.”