Lakers’ LeBron James, Luka Doncic react to Bronny James’ 1st career 3-pointer

Bronny James just hit another milestone during his rookie NBA season. Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers guard logged double-digit minutes in a game for the first time, and on Tuesday he made his first-career 3-point shot.

LA breezed past the Los Angeles Clippers in the Intuit Dome, winning 122-97. The lopsided outcome persuaded head coach JJ Redick to play the second-round draft pick for the final six minutes of the contest. James picked his spot and knocked down a trey, much to the glee of the crowd, his father and the rest of the Lakers.

LeBron James, after posting 26 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals in the victory, watched from the bench as his son sunk the jumper. Both he and new teammate Luka Doncic showed their support for the 20-year-old.

Stephen A. Smith begs Lakers’ LeBron James to stop Bronny James charade

Even with Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James struggling on Tuesday, his father, LeBron, has some optimism. However, don’t tell that to Stephen A Smith. He explained on ESPN’s First Take how he feels about Bronny playing, at the expense of other, more deserving and even qualifying players

“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this, stop this,” Smith said. “We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad. The first game of the season, opening night, the Griffey’s in attendance, a father-son duo playing in the NBA game for the first time. An absolutely, positively wonderful story. And then reality sets in.

“We love what we’re seeing from him in the G-League because that’s where you belong. As you hone your skills and get better, and you legitimately earn, which I believe he has the potential to do, I am rooting for Bronny James, it would be cruel to root against him, he’s a wonderful kid.

Bronny has been impressive in the G-League. He’s averaging roughly 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. So far, he’s had two 30+ point performances and has shown his increased scoring. His ball-handling, shooting, and slashing abilities have improved dramatically since the start of the season.

However, the Lakers brought Bronny in against the Philadelphia 76ers where Tyrese Maxey had his way. Despite the rough showing, Smith points out an underlying element. He’s illustrating that Bronny isn’t ready for the NBA just yet. He’s played some minutes, but his 15 minutes on Tuesday was the highest of his career.