While LeBron James suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, his son, Bronny James, put on a show of his own in the NBA G League. Playing for the South Bay Lakers against City Cruise, Bronny electrified the crowd with a highlight-reel dunk early in the first quarter.
On a fast break, Quincy Olivari lobbed a pass toward the rim, and Bronny soared to catch it before throwing down a powerful two-handed slam. His reaction – legs extended and a celebratory shout – mirrored the signature emphatic finishes of his father.
Bronny James throws down the oop for the South Bay Lakers 💥
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) March 9, 2025
🎥 @nbagleague pic.twitter.com/DqonOzkpyl
This marked just Bronny’s eighth G League appearance of the season, as he had previously logged 18 games with the Lakers, scoring a total of 25 points. However, he has thrived in the G League, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for South Bay.
This highlight-worthy moment is exactly the kind of buzz Bronny and LeBron would welcome, especially amid recent headlines about LeBron’s confrontation with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith’s feud reached a boiling point
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith’s feud reached a boiling point when the Lakers star confronted the ESPN analyst after a game against the Knicks. The tension stemmed from Smith’s criticism of LeBron’s son, Bronny James, and his path to the NBA.
Smith had argued that Bronny wasn’t ready for the league, insisting he should spend the entire season in the G League to develop. He said Bronny was only in the NBA “because of his dad”:
“I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father,” Smith said. “Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”
"I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this." 😳 @stephenasmith reacts to Bronny James' play in the Lakers 118-104 loss to the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/bk5D0DS42N
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
The postgame confrontation at Madison Square Garden seemed to be the culmination of this growing dispute:
Damn LeBron stepped to Stephen A Smith👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/ZJIDcPU4dL
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) March 7, 2025
Addressing the incident on First Take, Smith said he understood LeBron’s reaction as a father defending his son. He clarified that his criticism wasn’t directed at Bronny – whom he described as a “wonderful kid” with potential – but rather at LeBron’s decision to have Bronny split time between the NBA and G League.
.@stephenasmith describes his moment with LeBron James last night at Lakers-Knicks. pic.twitter.com/ZZyUnOOwYZ
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 7, 2025
Despite the heated exchange, Smith insisted there was no bad blood, emphasizing his respect for LeBron’s perspective as a parent.
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I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
