The highly-anticipated arrival of LeBron James’ son in the NBA may be postponed, as ESPN has moved him from the 2024 mock draft to the 2025 forecast. This development might disappoint James’s desire to play with his eldest son in the league. Bronny’s freshman season at the University of Southern California was delayed due to a summer cardiac attack that required rehabilitation time. Since his comeback to the floor, he has only averaged 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 19 games for USC. So, his stats are one of the major reasons why his rankings took a hit.

However, in response to the criticism he is facing, the Akron Hammer defended Bronny James against early scrutiny, underlining the significance of allowing children to enjoy their youth and grow without undue pressure. He even claimed that Bronny’s hard work and accomplishments would speak for themselves, irrespective of mock draft estimates. Although looking at Bron defending his son, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith blamed the 4x NBA champion for everything that has been transpiring around Bronny and even gave a justification for it.

Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron James for the scrutiny surrounding Bronny

On the ESPN First Take show, Stephen A. Smith said, “When you have a mock draft that’s put out what, they ain’t suppose to do their job now? They do mock drafts every year before Bronny James came along and after he is gone. And now you (LeBron) are going to tweet about folks leaving your son alone and letting him do whatever, YOU DID THAT. LeBron is entirely culpable for any kind of critique coming in Bronny’s direction at this juncture.” 

Smith even backed up his claims with evidence saying when LeBron James put the word out about wanting to play with Bronny and his willingness to go to any NBA team that picks him up, he garnered attention toward Bronny’s trade. He did not comprehend the consequence that a team would draft Bronny James so that they could get Bron at the age of 40 or 41. And that is exactly what has happened because the 2024 NBA Draft class is regarded as weak by many franchises.

Teams like the OKC, Knicks, and the Sixers are interested in picking Bronny to secure a future with Bron which raises doubts about Bronny James’ caliber as a contender to play in the league with the finest athletes. So, now as the NBA draft nears, all eyes will be on the young prospect to watch how his abilities and draft stock evolve.

Additionally, LeBron’s comments last March about Bronny being “better than some of these cats I’m watching on league pass” may have directed more eyes toward the 19 yo. Given that LeBron’s tweet was meant as nothing but a show of support for his son, his comments did not sit well with a lot of people, and USC’s games have just gone to show that Bronny still has a lot of development to do.

Read More: “The Fear Of God”: ESPN Scrutinised For Milking Bronny James’ Health Scare In NBA Draft List