Bronny and LeBron James vs Shedeur and Deion Sanders: Stephen A. Smith called out for hypocrisy in ‘nepo kids’ treatment

Stephen A. Smith has not towed the same line for LeBron James and Bronny James as he has for other Black athletes and sons.

Bronny and LeBron James vs Shedeur and Deion Sanders: Stephen A. Smith called out for hypocrisy in ‘nepo kids’ treatment

Stephen A. Smith has different attitude towards Bronny James and LeBron James compared to Deion and Shedeur Sanders

After LeBron James confronted Stephen A. Smith at a game for the criticism about his son Bronny James, the ESPN analyst reciprocated by calling out the Los Angeles Lakers superstar for being hypocritical. That furor went on for a while with different opinions floating around the internet.

Some believes the 40-year-old was right to confront the analyst for his comments. At the same time, Smith and James’ critics thought it was wrong on his part to publicly do so. Smith also suggested that it was weak to confront him publicly.

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Moreover, he suggested that James actually was angry because he was not being appreciated for his basketball career. After Bronny James displayed that he is NBA ready, those critics have seemingly vanished. The panel of Gil’s Arena though, believe Smith’s criticism is hypocritical.

They were talking about Shedeur and Deion (Sanders). The conversation they have with Shedeur and Deion versus Bronny and Bron are completely different. Their logic was this is a strong Black man supporting his kid. Even if he (Bronny James) finds success in the NBA, it’s always going to be something.

Lexie Brown said

Lexie Brown emphasized that Stephen A. Smith and his First Take crew praise NFL legend Deion Sanders for supporting his son Shedeur Sanders amidst the controversy at the NFL Combine. At the same time, he criticized LeBron James, even though both are Black fathers supporting their son’s.

Gilbert Arenas confirms Stephen A. Smith and others move the goal posts for the James’

Gilbert Arenas has always supported LeBron James and what he has done in the NBA. He also supported the Los Angeles Lakers superstar amidst nepotism calls when Bronny James was drafted. He believes Bronny James’ play against the Milwaukee Bucks has helped changed the situation.

They are proving it with his G League play, there was a narrative, ‘He’s not even good enough for the G League’. And then he started dominating, then they are quiet, ‘Oh look at his NBA Numbers’.

Gilbert Arenas said

The former three-time All-Star added that critics are constantly moving the goal posts. They did it for LeBron James all throughout the twenty-two seasons of his career. They are repeating the same tactic now for his son Bronny James.

But he then added that just as Lexie Brown pointed out, those critics have not done it for the sons of other NBA greats. The panel went on to talk about how the media has resorted to negativity to drive their ratings. That explains why they have created this narrative so that fans can feed off it.

Bronny James talks about facing criticism

A few hours after his stellar performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, The Athletic released an article detailing Bronny James’ time in the NBA. During that sit down, Joe Vardon asked the Los Angeles Lakers rookie if he ever listens to the criticism he receives.

I see everything that people are saying, and people think, like, I’m a f***ing robot, like I don’t have any feelings or emotions. But I just take that and use it as fuel for me to go out, wake up every day and get to the gym early, get my extra work in, watch my extra film every day, get better every day,

Bronny James said

The 20-year-old went on to say that he understands criticism will come his way. Most of the time, he takes it in through one ear and shoots it out the other. But there are times when it gets to him. Thankfully, he uses that as motivation.

That motivation seems to have worked in his favor. His G League performances have silenced critics. Now his NBA season high has given enough proof that the USC alum belongs in the NBA. However, he is also aware that the goal posts will be moved as per what the media wants to.