When Stephen A. Smith comes up to discuss his points, you know wait under the blanket to not get caught. In the NBA world, we know how much Bronny James gets criticized for appearing in the NBA way too soon. As evidenced by multiple clips and videos, LeBron James stated about wanting to play with his son. It’s an incredible dream for any player, and LeBron did it. But Stephen A. criticized LBJ for doing that.

In his latest podcast episode, the sports analyst compared LeBron James’ parenting to Carmelo Anthony’s in a fascinating take. Although Kiyan Anthony, Melo’s son, committed to Syracuse, Smith believes it is the right decision for the player. As for Bronny, LeBron’s desire to play with his son caused him to get criticized all over the park according to Smith. Thus, he went on a rant touching various subjects and praised Kiyan Anthony’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carmelo. 

Stephen A Smith gives his flowers to Carmelo Anthony’s family for Kiyan’s development

“All of these months, we have been hearing Bronny James, Bronny James, Bronny James. When have you heard about Kiyan?” mentioned Smith, asking how Kiyan kept himself out of the media. He pointed out how Carmelo Anthony didn’t hype his son up and he wants Kiyan to attend college. Stephen A. Smith also credited Kiyan’s mother, La La, for keeping him in check.

He continued, “It’s very, very important to understand and appreciate how he and Kiyan’s mother, La La Anthony, have handled their son.” By entering Syracuse, expectations remain low for Kiyan. His father Carmelo earned a basketball center named after him at the university.

Most times, when your dad has an arena named out there, it sparks trouble. You will feel the arm-twisting at various moments. Nothing for Kiyan, though. Stephen A. described Kiyan’s expectations, articulating, “Not only does he not care, not only he’s looking forward to the challenge, there is no one out there who expects him to fail because his game is not a question mark. See the difference? I am talking about how Carmelo Anthony handled it.”

Thus, he opposed LeBron for putting pulling pressure on his son. The analyst believes Kiyan won’t have any questions when he goes to college to hone his basketball skills. Kiyan could deal with his own pressure rather than what Bronny probably feels right now with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Stephen A Smith questions LeBron James for putting pressure on son!

“So coming on to the college scene, there ain’t no questions about Kiyan. We want to see what he’s gonna do or whether he’s going to emulate his daddy… He’s going to a university where his father has a basketball center named after him. Where his father is the only person in the history of the school to deliver a national championship. Do you have any idea how much pressure comes with that?” mentioned Smith, talking about a different kind of pressure.

Yet, compared to LeBron, Stephen A. Smith stated some pointers that will make you think. “Bronny James. I am rooting for you. Wonderful family. Great kid. He’s done nothing wrong. LeBron James, one of the two players in the history of basketball. He is on the Mt Rushmore.” If you’re in Bronny’s shoes, you’re talking about a father who achieved greatness with each passing year. He breached the 40k points in the NBA mark. The amount of assumptions could harm you.

Stephen A. Smith clarified, “He [LeBron] did nothing intentionally wrong. But he publicly stated he wanted to play with his son in the NBA and then publicly made it happen. So as a result, the criticism that has come in Bronny’s way has been excessive. It has been unfair.”

As Smith always does, he had a mic drop moment: “It has been cruel… But who instigated it? It was LeBron. LeBron, guess what ladies and gentleman, and absolutely no pun intended. All he had to do was be mellow. It’s the one time in all of LeBron’s basketball life he should have been mellow!”

The pressure Bronny faces right now is off the charts. Moreover, the displays on the court do not help him either. Therefore, we hope we can see Bronny get some time to figure out his next move. It is probably to the G-League where he can learn the game and get some experience.