NBA Champion J.R. Smith Makes Honest Bronny James Statement

J.R. Smith spoke about Lakers rookie Bronny James.

Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On Wednesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 134-110 in Ohio.

While they were blown out, Bronny James got a lot of attention for scoring his first career NBA points.

Via House of Highlights: "BRONNY FIRST NBA BUCKET. 🍿🔥

WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE. 👏"

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Bronny finished with two points, two assists and one steal while shooting 1/2 from the field in five minutes.

After the game, two-time NBA Champion J.R. Smith spoke about the 20-year-old (via Nightcap).

Smith: "You hear about so many different kids, so many different situations, their parents are stars, and they're arrogant, and they're cocky, and they feel like the world is just supposed to be their oyster. Bronny is the complete opposite. It's a very humbling feeling to see him in a situation that he's in, and he's very grateful for the opportunity."

The Lakers dropped to 3-2 in their first five games of the new season.

LeBron James finished 26 points, six rebounds and three assists while shooting 9/13 from the field and 1/3 from the three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time.

Following the Cavs, the Lakers will visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday in Canada.

Bronny James’ first NBA bucket. In Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/dx7cdyOYs5

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 31, 2024

Smith won both of his NBA Championships playing with LeBron on the Cavs and Lakers.

Mar 13, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (left) and J.R. Smith react towards the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He most recently played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season when he was with the Lakers.

The 2013 NBA 6th Man of The Year also spent time with the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Hornets over 16 seasons.