Stephen A’s Take: In regard to Bronny's poor play in the Philly game. I'm calling it like I see it.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode Title: Stephen A’s Take: In regard to Bronny's poor play in the Philly game. I'm calling it like I see it. Release Date: January 30, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the controversial performance of Bronny James during the Lakers' recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Joined by sports commentator Michael Wilbon, Smith offers a critical analysis of Bronny’s readiness for the NBA, the implications of LeBron James’ parenting decisions, and broader discussions on athletic legacy and player development.

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Bronny James' Performance in the Philly Game

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion by addressing Bronny James' underwhelming performance in the Lakers' game against the 76ers, where the team lost with a score of 118-104. Bronny played more minutes than ever before but was held scoreless in 15 minutes, struggling defensively against Sixers' star Tyrese Maxey.

Stephen A. Smith (Bronny’s Performance): "Bronnie James has played in 13 NBA games, ladies and gentlemen. He's averaging 0.3 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.4 rebounds. He shot 1 for 16 from the field in his NBA career and 0 for 7 from 3-point range."

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Critique of Bronny's Readiness and LeBron's Parenting

Smith expresses concern over Bronny being thrust into the NBA spotlight prematurely, questioning whether he is truly ready for the rigors of professional play. He criticizes the pressure placed on Bronny due to his father's legacy, suggesting that LeBron James may be undermining his son's development by exposing him too early.

Stephen A. Smith (Parenting Decisions): "We gotta be real about what we're seeing when we talk about Bronny James."

Michael Wilbon concurs, emphasizing the challenges Bronny faces being LeBron's son and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with it.

Michael Wilbon (Parenting and Exposure): "You can't go into the G League and average 20, 25 and stay there until he's ready because he's LeBron's son. You know how they're going to judge him."

Smith further elaborates on the societal sensitivity surrounding LeBron James, noting an overprotective stance that stifles honest critique.

Stephen A. Smith (LeBron Sensitivity): "It's gotten to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is just beyond the pale."

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Comparisons to Historical Athlete Parent-Child Relationships

To contextualize his argument, Smith compares Bronny's situation to that of Kobe Bryant and his father Joe Bryant's management of their son's early career. Highlighting the pitfalls of early exposure, he argues that similar to how Joe Bryant mishandled Kobe’s initial forays into the NBA, LeBron James may be setting Bronny up for potential setbacks.

Stephen A. Smith (Historical Comparison): "When Kobe Bryant was a rookie and shot those air balls... it's unconscionable what coach Dale Harris at the time did to him by throwing him to the Wolves because he got frustrated..."

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Michael Wilbon's Support and Additional Insights

Michael Wilbon supports Smith's stance, acknowledging Bronny’s potential but reiterating that his current performance does not justify his presence in high-stakes NBA games. He underscores the importance of earning one’s place without the shadow of a legendary parent.

Michael Wilbon (Supportive Commentary): "They're questioning it because there's no collegiate career to speak of. Because he had the health issue and never really did anything at USC in his only year there."

Wilbon also touches upon the financial and reputational implications for Bronny, contrasting his situation with that of other players who have worked their way up without familial advantages.

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Stephen A. Smith on Relationships with NBA Players

Addressing potential backlash, Smith asserts his strong connections within the NBA, emphasizing that his critiques come from a place of honesty and concern rather than malice.

Stephen A. Smith (NBA Relationships): "Contrary to what people believe, I have a great relationship with a lot of NBA players. You don't have to know that."

He laments the current sports media climate, where constructive criticism is often mislabeled as hate, making it challenging to discuss player development openly.

Stephen A. Smith (Media Environment): "We've devolved to a point where literally trying to be constructive and helpful is considered hating."

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Discussion on De'Aaron Fox Trade Rumors

Shifting topics, Smith briefly discusses the ongoing trade rumors surrounding De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. He shares his preference for Fox over Lonzo Ball, highlighting Fox's superior performance and potential fit with high-profile teammates like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Stephen A. Smith (De'Aaron Fox Trade): "De'Aaron Fox is that dude. I implored Magic Johnson to draft that kid number two overall instead of Lonzo Ball. I saw what that brother did in the NCAA tournament to Lonzo. I saw that he was a better player than Lonzo."

Smith expresses regret that Fox may end up with other teams rather than the Lakers, citing his wish to see Fox join the Lakers to complement the existing star roster.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith delivers a candid and critical analysis of Bronny James' early NBA career, questioning the strategic decisions behind his placement in high-pressure games. Alongside Michael Wilbon, Smith explores the ramifications of high-profile parentage in professional sports and advocates for a more measured approach to player development. Additionally, Smith touches upon broader NBA trade dynamics, emphasizing his insights into player value and team strategies.

This episode offers listeners a blend of in-depth sports analysis, personal opinions, and industry insights, staying true to Stephen A. Smith's reputation for unfiltered commentary.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith ([02:56]): "We gotta be real about what we're seeing when we talk about Bronny James."
• Stephen A. Smith ([02:57]): "Because LeBron is the basketball savant."
• Michael Wilbon ([05:01]): "He can't go into the G League and average 20, 25 and stay there until he's ready because he's LeBron's son."
• Stephen A. Smith ([06:26]): "I care about what the kid is being exposed to."
• Michael Wilbon ([12:53]): "I'm saying we all see what's happening with your son right now."
• Stephen A. Smith ([13:09]): "Why haven't you?"

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Note: This summary omits commercial segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon.

Transcript

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[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now let's go to Philadelphia, where Bronnie James last night played his most minutes by far in an NBA game last night as the Lakers lost to the 76ers 118, 104. Bronnie was held scoreless in 15 minutes and struggled guarding Sixers star Tyrese Maxey. Before I get to my thoughts, please take a listen to coach J.J. redick and what he had to say about Bronny's performance last night. Take a listen.

[J.J. Redick]

I maybe put him in a tough spot, you know, flying up yesterday and you know, nationally televised game and Philly, all that stuff. It's, you know, he didn't play well, but he's been playing great, you know, in the stay ready games and he's been playing great in the G. You.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Know, I was on First Take my day job on ESPN earlier this morning and I spoke about this and I felt the need to elaborate even further because a couple of people text me and pissed me off and they know who they are. People close to LeBron James talking to me about questioning him as a father. Come on, y'all. I mean, it's gotten to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is just beyond the pale. You call him the second best player in the history of the game. You're insulting him because you said he's not the goat. You're saying that at age 40 we've never seen anybody do what he does. But pointing out at times how he may not have hustled back on defense in a key, pivotal moment. And that's a problem. You give him all the praise in the world when he drops 40, but he has a bad night. And you say he had a bad night and you're hating. It's ridiculous. But never before has it been more ridiculous than it is right now. Because the reality is, is that we gotta be real about what we're seeing when we talk about Bronny James.

[Michael Wilbon]

I am not a person that had.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A problem with Bronny James. Being on the court for the season opener with LeBron James, that was a phenomenal moment. To see a father on the court with his son who has NBA aspirations, playing together for the first time in NBA history. The Griffeys in baseball, Ken Griffey Sr. And Jr. Were in attendance for it. It was a special moment. My position has always been that should have been the only moment. We saw Bronny James in a Lakers uniform this season because he's not ready.

[Michael Wilbon]

I'm not here to tell you that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He won't be ready. I'm not here to tell you that he won't be an NBA player. I'm not here to tell you that he should give up his dreams and his aspirations. I think the kid's got potential. I think the kid will be in the NBA one day.

[Michael Wilbon]

I watched him in the G League doing this thing. I think he's going to be fine eventually.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But that's not the case yet. And because it's not the case yet, and then you see some of these.

[Michael Wilbon]

Numbers, I do find myself looking at LeBron James instead of Bronny James.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because LeBron is the basketball savant.

[Michael Wilbon]

LeBron is one of the top two.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Greatest players in the history of the game.

[Michael Wilbon]

LeBron has gotten forgotten more basketball than most people would know. So no matter what we think about Bronny, he knows more.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But you see what you see. Bronnie James has played in 13 NBA games, ladies and gentlemen. He's averaging 0.3 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.4 rebounds. He shot 1 for 16 from the field in his NBA career and 0 for 7 from 3 point range. And he's playing in the first quarter of an NBA game.

[Michael Wilbon]

Really. And everybody wants to look at it. And LeBron has nothing to do with that. That's.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

He didn't tell JJ Redick to put him in the G. I get all that, but come on. I'm not being cruel to Bronnie. I'm. I'm looking out. Do you want it this way? Lebron do you want it this way? Rich Paul, do you want it this way? He can't go into the G league and average 20, 25 and stay there until he's ready because he's LeBron's son. You know how they're going to judge him.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And.

[Michael Wilbon]

And before anybody wants to jump on me, remember I never saw Bronny James play until he showed up in the NBA and the G League. I refused to watch him because if I watch him I would have to talk about him. And I didn't want to talk about LeBron James son because I thought it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Was so unfair to the kid.

[Michael Wilbon]

He's such a wonderful kid, wonderful family. I don't want to hear me talking about questioning LeBron James fatherhood. LeBron. How many times do I have to rave about LeBron James on ESPN? I put up a ticker. Great father, great husband, great philanthropist, great businessman, great actor, great producer, great director. Great, great, great, great. How many times have I said that? I'm simply saying, yo.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He'S not ready yet. And to put him out there, getting him exposed to that.

[Michael Wilbon]

Is really hard to watch. When Kobe Bryant was a rookie and shot those air balls in that closeout.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Playoff game against the Utah Jazz.

[Michael Wilbon]

People would talk about he wasn't ready for the moment. And I thought it was unconscionable what coach Dale Harris at the time did to him by throwing him to the Wolves because he got frustrated because Kobe kept talking about how he's going to end up being the greatest ever cuz he was chasing Jordan and they got tired of hearing his mouth and his bravado and he threw him to the Wolves very unfairly, which I think is something that ultimately ruined Del Harris, cuz he shouldn't have done that. But nobody questioned whether or not Kobe.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Bryant belonged in the NBA. Nobody questioned that.

[Michael Wilbon]

With Bronny James. They're questioning it because there's no collegiate career to speak of. Because he had the health issue and never really did anything at USC in his only year there. And he ends up getting drafted 55th overall. And I don't care about the money that he's going to end up making. Like he'll end up making over a span of a couple of years, 8 million, while the other 55th people pick from the year before, the year before that probably made about 800,000. The hell with that. LeBron James is underpaid. LeBron James is underpaid. He should get paid much more than he's getting paid. And any money that he can get for his Son, he could get for Rich Paul. He could get for anybody. He should get. Cause he is underpaid with what he means to the NBA. I don't care about the money.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I care about what the kid is being exposed to. With LeBron James Mystique hovering over him. 0.3 points, 0.3 assists, 0.4 rebounds, 1 for 16 shooting overall, 0 for 7 from 3 point range, 13 games.

[Michael Wilbon]

There are millions of kids out there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Starving to play in an NBA game.

[Michael Wilbon]

That are more qualified than his stats show. And what I'm saying is, if you see a son being exposed to things they may not be ready for, when do you wrap your arms around them.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And say, all right, now's. Now's not the time?

[Michael Wilbon]

I used a boxing analogy on first.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Take earlier today, and I used Marvis Frazier, the son of Joe Frazier. Go back and look at the highlights. He went into the ring against heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, who had one of the best jabs and one of the best right hands in boxing history.

[Michael Wilbon]

And I remember Larry Holmes being interviewed.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And saying, ain't no kid with 10 damn fights beating me. That's what he said. And then went in there and beat him in the first round.

[Michael Wilbon]

Remember, he dropped them. And then remember, Frazier gets up and if you remember the fight, ladies and gentlemen, Larry hit him with a right and waved the referee on. Hit him with a right and waved the referee to come and stop the fight. Hit him again, wave the referee to stop the fight. Because he knew the kid didn't belong in the ring with him. And you know who took the hits for that? Joe Frazier, former heavyweight champion of the world, one of the great fighters in history, had no business putting his son at that early stage in the squared circle with Larry Holmes. Look it up.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's all I'm saying. With LeBron, the best of intentions, wonderful father, by all accounts. I'm not casting any aspersions on him.

[Michael Wilbon]

I'm saying, that's your son, bro. You know the game of basketball.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He ain't ready yet.

[Michael Wilbon]

Why put him in that position? You had your moment being on the court with him. Now that kid's got to go earn his stripes, which I believe he will do. Watching him in the G League.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You can't do this.

[Michael Wilbon]

You can't continue to let us see what we've been seeing. And I'm wrong. I'm questioning him as a father, because I'm saying, yo, wrap your arms around him and say, not now, not just yet. That's questioning somebody's fatherhood. You see that's why, ladies and gentlemen.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Contrary to what people believe, I have a great relationship with a lot of NBA players. You don't have to know that. I know that. I know who talks to me. I know who gives me information. I know who reaches out to me. There's plenty of players.

[Michael Wilbon]

Some of the stars don't.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And, and I could give less than a shit because we've devolved to a.

[Michael Wilbon]

Point where literally trying to be constructive.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And helpful is considered hating.

[Michael Wilbon]

They adopted their hanger ons.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Adopted.

[Michael Wilbon]

And you're the villain for pointing out the obvious. I'm tired of that sensitive shit. It drives me nuts. We gotta preface every comment we make with a bunch of platitudes and laudables about everything. I mean, damn, what do we gotta do? Do their laundry before we say something? We gotta sit there and give them a bubble bath before we said they play like shit? I mean, come on, it's gotta stop.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I mean no disrespect whatsoever to LeBron on this issue.

[Michael Wilbon]

I would never do that to any player, any athlete. I'm saying we all see what's happening with your son right now.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's kind of hard to watch.

[Michael Wilbon]

Not that it won't change, not that it won't get better, but it's not there yet. You could do something about that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Why haven't you?

[Michael Wilbon]

That's all.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I mean no disrespect.

[Michael Wilbon]

None.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's all I'm saying. Staying in the NBA. Where according to ESPN Sham Sharania, the Sacramento Kings are expected to open talks for a potential De'Aaron Fox trade. The the Kings All Star guard has one year left on his contract before he hits free agency in the summer of 2026. San Antonio spurs are apparently the top destination on his list as a potential landing spot. I wish he could go to the Lakers personally. I know Anthony Davis wants a five so he can go back to his natural position at the 4. De'Aaron Fox has averaged at least 25 points over the last three years. He's an all star. He's an all star caliber player. He's also the only individual that I've ever gotten into an argument with Magic Johnson about in 25 years. De'Aaron Fox is that dude. I implored Magic Johnson to draft that kid number two overall instead of Lonzo Ball. I said Lonzo Ball is a business decision. De'Aaron Fox is a basketball decision. I saw what that brother did in the NCAA tournament to Lonzo. I saw that he was a better player than Lonzo. I think you got to keep that kid. You got to get him. And they passed because Lonzo Ball, Chino Hills, box office, all of that. No knock against Lonzo because I hope he gets healthy and I believe in a brother. But De'Aaron Fox is De'Aaron Fox. However, his wife, from what I'm told, is from San Antonio, obviously playing with victim women. The best defensive player in the NBA as far as I'm concerned right now, and will soon be the best player in the world at 7 5. With his skill set, who knows what's down the pike for them. They've got like nine picks. You get Dearen Fox woman Viana could be special. So I understand that Houston, Miami, New Orleans, other teams like that are in the mix. I wouldn't mind seeing Dear Fox in Miami either. But in the end, what it really, really comes down to is that I really wish he was with Anthony Davis and LeBron James in Los Angeles. Ain't gonna happen. In all likelihood. They don't have the assets to get them, but it would be nice Foreign.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What'S up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julius Werbinks]

What's up everyone? Julius Werbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[J.J. Redick]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julius Werbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[J.J. Redick]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julius Werbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[J.J. Redick]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julius Werbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.