News flash: LeBron James is a good basketball player.
At nearly 40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is having yet another stellar season. He’s as constant as tomorrow.
Every year, observers predict that James would not be as efficient, that he would slow down and fail to keep in step with his younger adversaries. But the Lakers forward has annually proved them wrong.
His unbelievable longevity has allowed him to play with his son, Bronny James. The four-time MVP was able to fulfill his goal and the Jameses made history by becoming the first-ever father and son to play in the NBA together.
Unfortunately for the younger James, it has come with intense backlash. ESPN host Stephen A. Smith claimed that it’s all because of a singular mistake by the elder James.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James at FedExForum.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
“LeBron James, one of the top two players in the history of basketball,” said Smith on his online show. “He did nothing intentionally wrong. But he publicly stated he wanted to play with his son in the NBA, and then publicly made it happen.
“As a result, the criticism that has come Bronny’s way has been excessive. And it has been unfair. And it has been cruel. But who instigated it? It was LeBron.”
Smith said he roots for the 20-year-old rookie to succeed, but the popular host stressed that LeBron James “said too much,” which put a bigger spotlight on his son.
Bronny James only played one season at the University of Southern California, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, before being drafted by the Lakers as the No. 55 overall pick.
