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, Baylessโs approval of Bronnyโs selection was a notable departure from his usual commentary.
Skip Bayless canโt 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 LeBronโs influence was a factor. โJames earned the right to make what just happened happen,โ Bayless noted, suggesting that the Lakersโ General Manager, Rob Pelinka, likely considered LeBronโs preferences in the draft decision.
Bayless, typically a critic of LeBron and the Lakers, recognized Bronnyโs potential to boost the teamโs performance. This marked a rare instance of Bayless acknowledging the positive impact of a move involving the James family and the Lakers.
โBronnyโs game perfectly complements LeBronโs,โ he said. โ3&D. High IQ, low ego. Shares dadโs feel for the game. Canโt wait.โ
He emphasized that Bronnyโs skills in three-point shooting and defense would mesh well with his fatherโs 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 Bronnyโs agent, Rich Paul, had threatened to take him overseas if the Lakers didnโt draft him.
โI donโt care because Bronny James belongs with LeBron James,โ Bayless stated emphatically. He praised Bronnyโs resilience, noting, โBronny James can handle playing alongside his all-time great father, the greatest scorer in NBA history. Bronny James was born for this, made for thisโฆ This is a tough kid, mentally tough, physically tough.โ