The heated exchange between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James has dominated NBA discussions in recent weeks.

However, a new chapter in the saga unfolded after Bronny James delivered his best NBA performance yet against the Milwaukee Bucks, prompting Smith to reconsider his stance.

Bronny James delivers a statement performance

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers suffering a heavy 118-89 defeat to the Bucks, Bronny James stood out with a career-best showing. The rookie guard put up 17 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting, along with five assists, three rebounds, and a block. He also connected on two of his four three-point attempts, showcasing his offensive versatility.

Since being drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny has faced relentless scrutiny, with many believing his selection was solely due to his father’s influence. However, his performance against Milwaukee sent a strong message-he is more than just LeBron James’ son.

One of Bronny’s most vocal critics, Stephen A. Smith, made a surprising admission after the game. In a segment shared by Awful Announcing, Smith acknowledged that he may have underestimated the young guard’s potential.

“I might have been wrong. Are you listening, LeBron James? Are you listening, James family? Are you listening, Rich Paul?” Smith stated, directly addressing LeBron and his inner circle.

“I’ve always believed that this kid has the potential, once I watched him, to be in the NBA.”

These comments mark a stark contrast to Smith’s previous criticisms, where he questioned whether Bronny truly earned his spot in the league.

For Bronny James, this game was more than just a personal achievement-it was a direct response to his critics. While one strong outing doesn’t solidify his NBA future, it proves that he has the talent to compete at the highest level.

As the season continues, all eyes will remain on Bronny to see if he can build on this momentum. If Thursday’s game was any indication, he’s well on his way to proving he belongs.