"It's insulting"- Stephen A. Smith insinuates LeBron James is blatantly skewing Bronny James narratives
Heading into the NBA Draft, one of the biggest storylines is if LeBron James will get the chance to team up with his son. One analyst recently put the LA Lakers star on blast for how things have played out following the combine.
While on "First Take," Stephen A. Smith went on a rant regarding LeBron and Bronny James. He pointed out how coincidental it is that Bronny's draft ranking raised right to where the Lakers will be picking in the draft. Stephen A. then took a jab at LeBron as he feels the situation is all too obvious.
"What I would implore LeBron James to be careful about is that so much of what's transpiring seems so transparent," Stephen A. said. "It's insulting."
"[Bronny dropped] right around the number where the Lakers get the pick. In other words, so if we pick him, it's justified."
The Lakers only have one pick in the 2024 NBA draft at the moment. It is late in the second round at No. 56. As for Bronny, LA is among the teams he plans to work out for during the pre-draft process. The Phoenix Suns are another team that has been tied to the young guard prospect in reports as of late.
LeBron James' agent speaks on Bronny James ending up with LA Lakers
On Wednesday, prospects had to make a final decision regarding their status for the 2024 NBA draft. Following his impressive showing at the combine earlier this month, Bronny James decided he would not be returning to college.
With his name officially in the draft now, he and his agent, Rich Paul, will begin searching for the right fit for the guard prospect. The two have a close relationship as Paul is also LeBron James' agent.
While speaking with ESPN, Paul touched on Bronny potentially going to the Lakers. From his perspective, he is okay with his client not winding up on his father's team. Fit is important to Paul, which is why he wants this whole process to happen naturally.
"The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else," Paul told ESPN. "If they value him enough and he's there, that's great. If it's not the Lakers, that's great. I won't be mad if it's not."
Seeing that he is still far from a finished product, a proper development plan will be crucial for wherever Bronny lands on draft night. He is coming off an underwhelming freshman season at USC, where he averaged less than five points per game.
LeBron James has commented in recent years about wanting to play alongside his son and a narrative that isn't going to disappear before the draft. Only time will tell if the Lakers is the team that ends up taking a chance on Bronny.