Skip Bayless Surprises Everyone with Comments on Bronnyโ€™s Draft Selection: โ€˜He Deserves Itโ€™

The famous sports analyst is known for his controversial takes, especially those on LeBron James

In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers chose USC basketball guard Bronny James as the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

This decision has garnered an unexpectedly positive response from sports talk show host Skip Bayless. Known for his often critical views on LeBron James and the Lakers, Baylessโ€™s approval of Bronnyโ€™s selection was a notable departure from his usual commentary.

Bronny was later selected as their 55th pick

Skip Bayless canโ€™t wait to watch Bronny in the NBA

Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, overcame significant hurdles before the draft, including a cardiac episode that kept him off the court for nearly five months last year.

Despite these challenges, Skip Bayless defended the Lakersโ€™ decision, implying that LeBronโ€™s influence was a factor. โ€œJames earned the right to make what just happened happen,โ€ Bayless noted, suggesting that the Lakersโ€™ General Manager, Rob Pelinka, likely considered LeBronโ€™s preferences in the draft decision.

Bayless, typically a critic of LeBron and the Lakers, recognized Bronnyโ€™s potential to boost the teamโ€™s performance. This marked a rare instance of Bayless acknowledging the positive impact of a move involving the James family and the Lakers.

โ€œBronnyโ€™s game perfectly complements LeBronโ€™s,โ€ he said. โ€œ3&D. High IQ, low ego. Shares dadโ€™s feel for the game. Canโ€™t wait.โ€

He emphasized that Bronnyโ€™s skills in three-point shooting and defense would mesh well with his fatherโ€™s playmaking abilities.

Skip just loves it, and he means it

Bronny James had a solid season with the USC Trojans, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His medical history influenced his draft status, but Skip Bayless dismissed any claims of nepotism or speculation that Bronnyโ€™s agent, Rich Paul, had threatened to take him overseas if the Lakers didnโ€™t draft him.

โ€œI donโ€™t care because Bronny James belongs with LeBron James,โ€ Bayless stated emphatically. He praised Bronnyโ€™s resilience, noting, โ€œBronny James can handle playing alongside his all-time great father, the greatest scorer in NBA history. Bronny James was born for this, made for thisโ€ฆ This is a tough kid, mentally tough, physically tough.โ€