Bronny James continued to get game time for the Los Angeles Lakers, bouncing back after a nightmare in Philadelphia.
JJ Redick admitted his decision to play Bronny James against the Philadelphia 76ers backfired, with the rookie going 0-5 in a loss.
Fans were unimpressed with Bronny’s performance, with media commentators puzzled by his 0-point outing.
Next up was a game against the NBA’s worst team, and Bronny put up five points, two rebounds and two assists against the Washington Wizards, during his 12 minutes on the court.
JJ Redick praised Bronny James‘ resolve against the Wizards, dealing with plenty of attention from the crowd, who wanted to see what he could do.
It was an easy game for the Lakers, with Shake Milton putting up 21 points – but it was good to see for Bronny after the 76ers nightmare.
Speaking to ESPN, former NFL player Pat McAfee expressed his best wishes for Bronny, during a conversation with Shams Charania, who made clear he is a player the Lakers are looking to keep.
McAfee took a shot at those who had been criticizing Bronny, a clear shot at ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith, whose comments he directly referenced.
He said: “I can’t wait to watch him develop. You got people on our channel, on ESPN saying, ‘LeBron stop doing this to your kid’.
“This week! What are you doing, I don’t think LeBron feels that way at all. I think LeBron feels the complete opposite.
“And probably assuming a year from now, everybody going to have to eat their words.”
Speaking on First Take after the Lakers loss to the 76ers, Stephen A. Smith urged LeBron James to speak to the coaching staff, insisting Bronny James should be playing in the G League, and not on the Lakers.
He said: “I’m really trying to be as respectful as I can be towards LeBron James. I am pleading with LeBron James as a father stop this…. stop this.”
His exact comments were the ones McAfee was referencing, and 24 hours later he later went on his own YouTube channel to express anger at the response.
Stephen A. claimed ‘people close to LeBron’ had reached out to him in a way which left him furious, accusing him of attacking the basketball legend’s parenting.
The ESPN analyst accused the superstar of being too sensitive, adding: ““What I’m saying is, if you see a son being exposed to things that they may not be ready for, when do you wrap your arms around them, and say, ‘alright now’s not the time.”
