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Stephen Smith's First-Day Test: A Friendly Scrimmage With LeBron's Sons Highlights the Lakers' Future

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 23:50 GMT by Sporting News

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Stephen Smith’s First‑Day Test: A Friendly Scrimmage With LeBron’s Sons Highlights the Lakers’ Future

When the Los Angeles Lakers announced that former Oregon standout Stephen Smith would join the team for the 2024‑25 training‑camp roster, the headlines were all about the potential of a young power‑forward with a bruising defensive skill set. What many readers didn’t expect, however, was the way that Smith’s first official Lakers practice was set up to showcase not just his own talent but the next generation of the franchise’s legacy – LeBron James’ sons, Bronny and Bryce.

The Players Behind the Story

• Stephen Smith – A 6‑foot‑9‑inch forward who came out of the University of Oregon with a reputation for shot‑blocking and length. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2023 (12th overall) and spent his rookie season developing his game in the NBA G‑League before earning a training‑camp spot with the Lakers. The Lakers, looking to deepen their front‑court depth for a championship‑contending roster, signed Smith to a standard training‑camp contract, giving him a chance to prove himself against some of the league’s top talent.

• Bronny James – At 19, Bronny has already been a key contributor for the South Bay Lakers, the G‑League affiliate of the Los Angeles franchise. He’s known for his athleticism and ability to hit big shots from mid‑range, but the most talked‑about aspect of his game is how he’s growing in the coaching environment created by his father and the Lakers’ coaching staff.

• Bryce James – While still a high‑school freshman, Bryce is a name that has been mentioned in every Lakers story involving the James family. The youngest of the duo, he’s known more for his potential than any on‑court performance. In this scrimmage, he was given a chance to work with the Lakers’ coaching staff on fundamentals and team chemistry.

A Scrimmage That Served Multiple Purpose

The Lakers’ head coach, Derek Fisher, used the morning session as a “low‑pressure test” for the new additions and a way to integrate the James family into the organization. The scrimmage was divided into three 10‑minute periods, with the Lakers’ roster shuffled to include Smith, the South Bay Lakers’ core (including Bronny), and the two James brothers. It was a small‑scale “who‑is‑who” match that also turned into a media spectacle, with local reporters and fan‑curated livestreams watching every play.

Smith made a memorable first move when he matched up one‑on‑one against Bronny in the second period. With a quick back‑hand jump‑stop, he forced Bronny to take a contested mid‑range jumper, which Smith blocked on the rebound. The play highlighted the size advantage Smith brings and his defensive instincts. The crowd – which included a handful of other Lakers prospects and a few media personalities – cheered enthusiastically, and the moment was widely shared on the Lakers’ social‑media channels.

The scrimmage didn’t just feature Smith and the James brothers. Other Lakers prospects, such as the forward‑guard pair who were newly signed that summer, had a chance to rotate through the frontcourt and give the coaching staff a clearer picture of how the roster could evolve. Meanwhile, the G‑League stars, most notably the South Bay point guard who has been a steady presence for the franchise, demonstrated the “Laker culture” that LeBron James has cultivated over the past decade.

LeBron’s Own Perspective

In a post‑game interview with the Sporting News, LeBron James reflected on the significance of the scrimmage:

“Seeing my kids and my teammates come together is one of the things that keeps me excited about this city. The next generation will inherit what we’ve built, and it’s amazing to see the young players get a taste of that environment.”

LeBron’s own role is more than just a player. As the Lakers’ “ambassador of the franchise”, he is actively involved in mentoring both the James brothers and the newly added talent, including Smith. He emphasized that “the game is about trust, communication, and hard work” – values that Smith has been praised for both in college and in his rookie year.

A Glimpse Into the Lakers’ Building Strategy

The Lakers’ front office has been clear about their emphasis on adding versatile bigs who can guard multiple positions. Smith’s length and shot‑blocking ability align with this philosophy. By pairing him with the G‑League talent, the Lakers are ensuring that Smith can develop an understanding of their defensive schemes in a real‑time setting.

The inclusion of Bronny and Bryce in the scrimmage also signals a long‑term approach. While the Lakers still rely on veteran star power, they’re actively preparing a new core that will eventually replace them. The Lakers’ president of basketball operations, Jay Z, confirmed that “the next 10‑15 years are all about building a sustainable roster that can compete in the Western Conference.”

Final Takeaway

Stephen Smith’s first official practice with the Lakers may have begun with a friendly game against LeBron James’ sons, but the implications run deeper. The scrimmage showcased a blend of youthful talent, veteran mentorship, and a franchise’s strategic vision. For fans, the image of a young power‑forward blocking a shot from Bronny James is a powerful reminder of the generational handoff the Lakers are making. For Smith, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs at the same table as the team’s elite.

As the 2024‑25 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit into the larger puzzle – whether Smith will become the defensive anchor the Lakers need and whether Bronny and Bryce will rise to the occasion to fill the void left by the retiring legends. The Sporting News piece highlighted the excitement, the potential, and the clear message that the Lakers are poised to make the next chapter of their storied franchise as impactful as the one that preceded it.