LeBron James had months to prepare for playing alongside Bronny James. Yet, when the moment came last night, he was still lost for words. Feeling like he was in the “matrix”, staring at his legacy beside him, he couldn’t help but marvel over the memory. However, his happiness is often eroded. Critics have called out not just him but also the Lakers for micro-managing the 19-year-old’s drafting to play alongside his father. But after 22 years of nothing but excellence, a man who has often criticized him is now on his side.

Stephen A. Smith, even though an avid Michael Jordan stan surprisingly isn’t against what James did. This comes after the reports that the Warriors “out of respect” let Bronny slide a few spots for the Purple and Gold to pick him. To most, it seemed like James’ influence getting in the way. That though is one of the perspectives. The ESPN headliner believes it’s vital to consider LeBron James’ body of work before aiming the barrel at him to move forward with his dream.

“He’s earned the right to facilitate his son being a teammate of his”, the renowned analyst said in retaliation. Not only has James been an exceptional pioneer for two decades, but he has inspired millions to pick up the basketball. Against all odds, he is the “top two, three” player in the league’s history as Smith believes.

Accolades aside, LeBron James has personified what it means to be a model modern-day athlete. With the wear and tear on his body, he continues to treat the sport with the holy respect it deserves. Additionally, he managed to keep himself in stunning conditioning with the hopes of one day playing with his son.

Even though he might have manipulated the proceedings, Stephen A. Smith is a staunch supporter of his doing so. To anyone against it, he claims to be “disgusted” with them. Considering all that he has done for the sport and beyond, if there is anyone who deserves to be in this position, it is most certainly LeBron James.

The Lakers might have revived LeBron James

That’s not to say that James wasn’t playing at the peak caliber of basketball. Even though more than half his life resides in the NBA, the four-time MVP continues to upend expectations. Physically, he is still among the finest specimens in the league and his impact has hardly waned. Rather, he has adapted to the ever-growing landscape, manipulating himself to remain effective.

But prior to this, he did consider retirement. For as long as James plays, his one expectation has been to win. Over the last few seasons, the Purple and Gold crashed out in upsetting fashion. That led to some disconnect between the Akron Hammer and the sport. But with the Lakers bringing in Bronny James, “It gives you a lot of life” James admitted.

The dream has been years in the making for the flourishing forward. He faced hardships along the way. His son’s medical scare is one of them. Considering all that he has gone through, Smith previously said “Can it get any better than this,”.

Apart from competing, LeBron James has a reason to stick around the sport with the “joy” of having his son by his side. It was instantly visible in his invigorating tone when speaking about his sustainability. “I can help a big part of a team win the ultimate and whatever — if it’s gold, or if it’s a Larry O’Brien Trophy, or whatever the case may be, I can still get it done” he said during the Lakers’ media day.

The royalty franchise already has refreshing energy oozing through the advent of JJ Redick. With the added incentive of getting to tune into work with his son, James is more fired up than ever before. It might still not get a title. Yet, the sense of belief and motivation have catapulted within the building.

Every player seems to share the energy that has blanketed over the Los Angeles Lakers. The frontal boulder that caused this shook is the move they made to draft Bronny James and appropriately surround him with the personnel necessary for success.