History was scripted when LeBron James stepped onto the NBA court to play alongside his son Bronny James for the Los Angeles Lakers. They became the first father and son duo to play alongside each other on the same basketball team.

In a moment that should have been something to cheer for, many decided to label it nepotism. This prompted renowned analyst Stephen A. Smith to give his two cents.

On First Take, host Molly Qerim introduced the topic and co-panelist Shannon Sharpe first gave his thoughts. Later, Smith, a longtime NBA reporter and analyst, brushed aside all allegations of nepotism.

“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

Smith, who has in the past criticized the all-time leading scorer for many things related to basketball, was on LeBron’s side this time. He felt that the NBA legend earned the right to use his hold and power to get his son on his team.

Smith even cited the example of the Golden State Warriors not drafting Bronny James out of respect for LeBron James‘ wishes. While he knows that James Jr. must put in a lot of work to prove the naysayers wrong, he believes critics should not target LeBron for nepotism.

Shannon Sharpe adds in to support LeBron James

When Stephen A. Smith finished giving his analogy, co-panelist Shannon Sharpe raised his hand to add his views on the matter. He said that this has been common in the NBA across various levels over the years.

For instance, in coaching or the front office, nepotism is rampant. Sharpe talked about several top coaches and executives bringing in their family members into roles and giving them a jumpstart over others. The NFL Hall of Famer pointed out that corporations also do the same and that no one talks about it.