A former Los Angeles Lakes star is coming to the defense of LeBron James and Bronny James and confronting the haters.

In a 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard—and son of superstar forward LeBron James— Bronny James struggled in the first ample playing time of his young career. The USC product attempted and missed five shots, and struggled to find his footing defensively against All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers.

Stephen A. Smith is pleading with LeBron James to "stop" the nepotistic move with Bronny as he needs to improve his basketball skills.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, received his second rotation minutes of the season on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. After turning in a 31-point performance in the G League on Friday, James was called upon by Lakers head coach JJ Redick in the first quarter against Philadelphia.

Stephen A. Smith wants LeBron James to throw the damn towel on Bronny James’ NBA prospects for the time being.

LeBron and Bronny made NBA history on Oct. 22 when they became the first father and son to play together during the Lakers’ season-opening win over Minnesota. Bronny then scored his first NBA basket for the Lakers in Cleveland on Oct. 30 at the arena where he watched his father as a child.

So, while the elder James will be jet-setting out to the rat-infested Paris of the West to buddy up with the league’s other All-Stars — including the first Knickerbocker starting duo in 50 years — his first-born will be at home. Or, more likely, the gym.

Redick took the blame for playing James, but the real criticism should be directed at general manager Rob Pelinka for calling him up in the first place. Perhaps an intervention is required to make sure James no longer has his confidence battered by the world's best basketball players.

Stephen A. Smith has seemingly had enough of Bronny James playing in the NBA and has urged LeBron James to apparently stop pushing his son for something for which he is not ready.

LeBron James is listed on the injury report with left foot injury management, and it's not certain if he will suit up.

Bronny James got real rotational minutes for the first time this season in the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. Bronny played 15 minutes, some of them alongside LeBron James,