Stephen A. Smith talking on a show and Bronny James looks on during a game.
Bronny James looks to be set for an NBA career despite his underwhelming stint in college.

Many wondered whether the former USC point guard would get picked after he declared for the draft earlier this year. But, with the combine done, it does seem a foregone conclusion.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported that Bronny received 10 workout invites from teams but will only visit the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reckons the guard is going to the Lakers as ESPN now has him ranked around the spot the Western Conference side will pick.

Speaking on ‘First Take’ this Thursday, Smith said the fact that Bronny James has gone from potentially undrafted to a nailed-on-cert for the NBA is “insulting.”

“So much of what’s transpiring seems so transparent, it’s insulting,” he said in quotes transcribed by Awful Announcing. “Bronny James is ranked 98th on the talent pool.

He goes to the NBA combine and it drops 44 slots to 54. And the Lakers have the 55th pick in the second round. I mean, really?

He didn’t drop 38 slots, to 58 or 60. He didn’t drop 50 slots to 48. Oh no. Right around the number where the Lakers get the pick. 

“In other words, so if we pick him, it’s justified because, ‘Look, they had him ranked 54th and we had the 55th pick.’ I mean come on, man.”

Bronny James Wouldn’t Be At Fault But Would Still Attract Criticism

Smith added that Bronny would be viewed a certain way through no fault of his own.

“At some point in time, it’s like too much looks too damn obvious,” he continued. “And so I look at Bronny James and I’m like, ‘Man I’m rooting for this kid. Great kid. Wish him nothing for the best.

Wonderful family, wonderful kid, all of that other stuff.’ But when stuff like this happens, it just invites cynicism and skepticism. And that’s totally unfair to that kid, because he did nothing to warrant that.” 

There is a sense that there’s been some nepotism involved in Bronny’s rise for some time now. It will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft, which is now less than a month away.