Stephen A. Smith blames LeBron James for Bronny James facing criticism

On Monday, LeBron James deleted several social media posts that were directed at media members and scouts who've been analyzing the future prospects of his son, Bronny James. With the 2023-24 college basketball season nearing an end, Bronny -- averaging 5.5 points as a freshman for USC -- is increasingly looked at as a player who needs another season or two in college before transitioning to the pros.

While there's no shame in returning to college (All-Star Jalen Brunson spent three years in Villanova), Bronny was previously earmarked as a one-and-done prospect who could declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. As such, the drop in his stock has given people a lot to talk about, spurring James' outburst on X.

The fact that James blamed the media for critiquing Bronny didn't sit well with analyst Stephen A. Smith, who called out the Lakers star for placing unnecessary pressure on his son over the last few years by declaring his intentions to play with him.

"This is all his fault – all of it," Smith said on Tuesday’s edition of "First Take"on ESPN. "When it comes to Bronny, that kid has done nothing. All he's done is work hard, get on his game… any attention he's warranted has been because of his daddy. 'I want to play with my son.' 'I want to stay here till my son gets to the NBA. We've seen interviews where Savannah has said, I want my son to by healthy and happy,' and LeBron, 'I want him to be in the NBA!'

"There's no crime in that, but when you're LeBron James and you've put the word out that you’ll be willing to go to any NBA team that picks him up… you've got people looking at him and wondering what kind of influence he will wield to manipulate his son landing in the NBA."