“He looked like somebody that belonged”: Stephen A. Smith takes surprising U-turn on his stance on Bronny James | NBA News – The Times of India

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has recently changed his stance on Bronny James. Smith was one of the most vocal critics of Bronny James as he has previously questioned openly about whether he deserved his spot in the NBA. He even went as far as to say in January that Bronny’s presence in the league stemmed from the influence of his father, referring to Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James. That criticism led to a heated courtside confrontation between LeBron and Smith but now, the analyst is showering praise for Bronny.

Stephen A. Smith showered praise on Bronny James following his performance against the Milwaukee Bucks

After Bronny James’ breakout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, Stephen A. Smith appears to be singing a different tune. Several major Lakers players were sidelined but the 20-year-old guard delivered a staggering show as he had the opportunity to step up. Bronny put up a career-high 17 points, dished out five assists, and shot an efficient 7-of-10 from the field. Despite the Lakers falling 118-89, his individual performance stole the show.

“I Might’ve Been Wrong,” Smith said on ESPN First Take. “I was very impressed because I saw an elevation in his level of confidence and poise,” Smith admitted. “It was like it didn’t really phase him, he didn’t look as nervous as he had looked in previous appearances on the court.”
The veteran analyst went on to add, “My position was all along, Bronny James needed to be in the G League… and then after that let him come on because I’ve always believed that this kid has the potential, once I watched him, to be in the NBA.”
Smith later showered praise for Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “What I saw last night made me say to myself, ‘Wait a minute. He keeps showing up and playing like that, JJ Redick and his staff obviously doing an exceptional job coaching him. The G Leaguers obviously doing a good job of preparing him, him sitting on the bench learning and watching the Lakers play… Evidently that seems to be working for him.’”
Smith now acknowledges Bronny’s showdown but his stance on the situation with LeBron has not changed.
“Most people know, we ain’t got to like each other or ever talk to each other in life, for me to admit that you gotta give respect where it’s due,” Smith said.
And yet, he couldn’t resist reminding LeBron that he wasn’t entirely wrong in the first place. “The same dude that his daddy approached courtside is the same dude that said ‘I thought that he had this potential.’ I just didn’t think it would be this season.”
Also Read: “Now they’re quiet”: Gilbert Arenas is all for Bronny James silencing his haters with his game
Bronny has recently condemned his critics with frustration during his chat with The Athletic, “But sometimes it just, it fuels me a little bit. I see everything that people are saying, and people think, like, I’m a fucking robot, like I don’t have any feelings or emotions.” Bronny indeed silenced his critics as he let the game do the talking.