Skip Bayless, a longtime critic of LeBron James, did something not so Skip-ish when he heaved praises to James’ son Bronny during the Los Angeles Lakers’ Wednesday night game against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Summer League.
Bronny James hit a huge three with 3:47 left in the game held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas to tie the game at 79-all. The Lakers eventually got past the Hawks, 87-86.
The Lakers eventually got past the Hawks, 87-86, for their first win in the tournament after back-to-back losses.
After struggling to find his shots from 24 feet in the Summer League season, James finally hit two on Wednesday night, but none was more important than his game-tying triple to keep the Lakers alive, and Bayless had this to say via X: “That corner 3 to tie was the best-looking shot Bronny has shot all Summer League. I’m telling you, [this] kid has the clutch gene.”
That corner 3 to tie was the best-looking shot Bronny has shot all Summer League. I’m telling you, kid has the clutch gene.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 18, 2024
What makes Bayless’ tweet more interesting is that fans and analysts have been taking a jab at LeBron James for quickly losing steam in the clutch, so saying that his son is clutch could be more than just a compliment.
Skip Bayless takes 180-degree turn with LeBron James’ son
With the way Skip Bayless lauded Bronny James after the latter’s clutch three to keep the Lakers in the game against the Hawks, we may have forgotten that Bayless took a swipe at James in his television show.
In an episode of Undisputed, Bayless hit out at the younger James for sitting out the Lakers’ next Summer League game after only tallying four points in his first taste of action.
“[The] father has the greatest pair of knees in the history of professional basketball, and [his] son now has some swelling after his first Summer League game?” Bayless said, referring to the reason Bronny had to take the rest for the said game.
Fast forward to Wednesday night, Bayless took a 180-degree turn and praised James in the game.
James’ performance is commendable, as the 55th pick of this year’s draft posted 12 points, one rebound, and one steal in barely 23 and a half minutes of play as a starting guard.
Colin Castleton led the Lakers with 17 points on 8-for-9 field goals, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while Blake Hinson chipped in 14 points, one rebound, and two assists.
Rob Baker and Jarkel Joiner each scored 17 points for the Hawks in the tough defeat against the Lakers.
The Lakers eventually got past the Hawks, 87-86, for their first win in the tournament after back-to-back losses.
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