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, Bayless’s approval of Bronny’s selection was a notable departure from his usual commentary.

Bronny was later selected as their 55th pick

Skip Bayless can’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 Lakers’ decision, implying that LeBron’s influence was a factor. “James earned the right to make what just happened happen,” Bayless noted, suggesting that the Lakers’ General Manager, Rob Pelinka, likely considered LeBron’s preferences in the draft decision.

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

“Bronny’s game perfectly complements LeBron’s,” he said. “3&D. High IQ, low ego. Shares dad’s feel for the game. Can’t wait.”

He emphasized that Bronny’s skills in three-point shooting and defense would mesh well with his father’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 Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, had threatened to take him overseas if the Lakers didn’t draft him.

“I don’t care because Bronny James belongs with LeBron James,” Bayless stated emphatically. He praised Bronny’s resilience, noting, “Bronny James can handle playing alongside his all-time great father, the greatest scorer in NBA history. Bronny James was born for this, made for this… This is a tough kid, mentally tough, physically tough.”