Bronny James got an opportunity to prove doubters wrong and took full advantage of it.
The rookie set a career-high with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, chipping in five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers, missing LeBron James, Luka Doncic and four other key players against the Bucks, turned to the end of its bench, which included Bronny. They lost 118-89 despite Bronny's performance.
However, the story was less about the final score and more about the oft-maligned James Jr. Showing he belongs.
BRONNY HAD CAREER HIGH VS. BUCKS 🍿🔥
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) March 21, 2025
• 17 PTS
• 5 AST
• 3 REB
• 7/10 FG
• 2/4 3PT pic.twitter.com/P8SlpNTOkW
One of the rookie's biggest critics has been Stephen A. Smith. The ESPN personality has repeatedly expressed that Bronny should play this entire season in the G League and he is only in the NBA because of his father.
LeBron confronted the issue with Smith in front of a packed Madison Square Garden arena in early March .
Damn LeBron stepped to Stephen A Smith👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/ZJIDcPU4dL
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) March 7, 2025
MORE: The LeBron James-Stephen A. Smith beef, explained
Fans took to social media after Thursday's game to stoke the flames by tagging and mentioning the ESPN personality.
Come outside @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/2CYYjyVNYw
— BronnyMuse (@BronnyMuse06) March 21, 2025
Lebron looking at Stephen a smith right now watching bronny look better than 1st round pick dalton knecht pic.twitter.com/qqeydcymPz
— John (@iam_johnw) March 21, 2025
Wonder if Stephen A. Smith gone talk about Bronny James tomorrow. Pic.twitter.com/hS4Z7N3acX
— Loaded Treller ♐️🚛 (@WhoaaKenny) March 21, 2025
Stephen A Smith had no problem addressing Lebron "as a father" after a bad game from Bronny in Philly. I hope he keeps the same energy after tonight
— YoungNarrow (@NarrowGaming) March 21, 2025
First Take will draw extra eyes as the world awaits Stephen A's response.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Bronny James gives honest NSFW answer to his biggest critics
- Lakers' LeBron James repped by Blue Jackets' star returning the outfit favor
- Spurs predicted to pair Wemby with player Angel Reese named 'Baby Jokic'