Sports personalities in major NBA circles are starting to speak differently on LeBron James Jr.
Bronny James is creating his name in the pros, opposite of his father.
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LeBron James paved the way for his son as a four-time champion and the biggest force in the league, but Bronny stood on his own Thursday night. He stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers in a matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks with multiple players out.
The younger James became the first guard in Laker history since Magic Johnson (1979) to record at least 17 points, five assists, and shoot 70 percent or better from the field in a game. Los Angeles loss 89-118; however, James’ performance has been the conversation on social media since then. Those who criticized him early on, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, are now backtracking statements and admitting to being wrong. Chandler Parsons, a former NBA player, came to James’ defense on Run It Back — FanDuel’s flagship NBA show. Parsons, who played 10 seasons (2011-20) with four different teams says James ‘does not stink.’
. @ChandlerParsons on Bronny James:
“All these people are like, ‘He doesn’t belong in the NBA.’ Not everyone can just go in an NBA game and have 17 points. This kid doesn’t stink. He can play and he proved it…last night kinda opened up some eyes.” pic.twitter.com/4SNh0uI1hY
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 21, 2025
“All these people are like, ‘He doesn’t belong in the NBA.’ Not everyone can just go in an NBA game and have 17 points,” Parsons said on Friday. “He can play and he proved it…last night kinda opened up some eyes. I think a lot of those guys that doubt and have hate, I get it. But I think last night opened some eyes, even for J.J. Redick and the coaching staff, that look this kid can give us something.”
James gave the Lakers a spark as it remains the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs.
Los Angeles is also hopeful to have the elder James (groin) back Saturday for its game against Chicago.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
