'Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad': Stephen A. Smith Gives Harsh Reality Check to LeBron James Over Son Bronny James' Unimpressive Rookie Season With LA Lakers

Stephen A. Smith has seemingly had enough of Bronny James playing in the NBA and has urged LeBron James to apparently stop pushing his son for something for which he is not ready. Lebron and Bronny made history in October by becoming the first father-son duo to play alongside each other in the NBA. However, the excitement of witnessing the league's greatest-ever player (arguably) and his son balling together did not age well as junior James has so far not been able to prove his mettle at the biggest stage.

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Stephen A. Smith's Honest Take on Bronny James

Famed broadcaster Stephen A. Smith paid heed to the performance of Bronny James in the Lakers' 104-118 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday and did not refrain from making a hard judgment. He pleaded with LeBron to "stop this" and bluntly spoke that the only reason Bronny is playing in the NBA is because of his "dad."

"I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this, stop this,' Smith said on ESPN's First Take Wednesday. 'We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad."

Smith acknowledged that the father-son duo playing together in the league for the same team makes up a wonderful story, but it does not hide the bigger picture.

"And then reality sets in. We love what we're seeing from him in the G League - because that's where you belong, as you hone your skills and get better, and you legitimately earn, which I believe he has to the potential to do.

Smith further stated that he desires to see Bronny succeed and praised the character the "wonderful kid" carries, but at the same time also threw the reality which is that he is LeBron James' son and with the world in knowledge of the fact there will come a burden of expectations.

"I am rooting for Bronny James. It would be cruel to root against him. He's a wonderful kid, I wish him nothing but the best. But he's LeBron James' son, and everybody knows what attention that brings."

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Bronny James at the end of an Unwanted Record

While on one hand, LeBron James is not dropping a beat even at the age of 40, still averaging 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9 assists, Bronny on the other hand is struggling to find his footing in the league. From the limited time he has earned this season, Bronny has averaged a pitiful 0.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 6.3% shooting from the field this season. According to Statsmuse, Bronny James has the worst field goal-shooting percentage this season among those who have had 10 or more opportunities. A 55th pick not starting is an expected outcome but a James not performing in the limited time he has been given does not go down well among the fans and experts.