Bronny James.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures
Bronny James could not ever be something apart from LeBron James’ son on a basketball court docket. That is the strain of being the son of arguably the best to ever play basketball not named Michael Jordan whereas being a basketball participant your self.
There have been cries of nepotism when the Los Angeles Lakers chosen James within the second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft regardless of his 4.8 factors averaged in 25 video games at USC.
Bronny has averaged simply 4.7 minutes per sport this season as a bench participant for the Lakers. He has spent nearly all of the season taking part in for his or her G League affiliate. When he does get in for the Lakers, he does not produce a lot (simply 1.6 factors per contest), and after one sport, particularly, he (or, fairly, his father) was known as out by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
“I’m pleading with LeBron James as a father: Cease this. Everyone knows that Bronny James is within the NBA due to his dad,” the bombastic speaking head stated on “First Take.”
“I’m pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Cease this.” @stephenasmith reacts to Bronny James’ play within the Lakers 118-104 loss to the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/bk5D0DS42N
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
That clip led to a heated courtside dialog between James and Smith, however fairly than letting the drama get him down, Bronny just lately revealed to Joe Vardon of The Athletic that he is utilizing the criticism to gas his future success.
“My first considered all the pieces is I at all times attempt to simply let it undergo one ear and out the opposite, put my head down and are available to work and be constructive every single day. However typically it simply, it fuels me a bit of bit,” the youthful James stated. “I see all the pieces that individuals are saying, and other people assume, like, I’m a f—ing robotic, like I don’t have any emotions or feelings.
However I simply take that and use it as gas for me to exit, get up every single day and get to the health club early, get my additional work in, watch my additional movie every single day, get higher every single day.”
That is the suitable option to strategy it as a younger participant. Bronny will possible by no means stay fill the large footwear that will likely be left behind by his father, and he could by no means even be a marginal NBA participant.
He has proven some progress this season within the G League, although, the place he is averaging 20.6 factors, 4.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per sport.
If he was anyone however LeBron’s son, he’d be checked out as an intriguing up-and-comer within the depths of the Lakers group.
The issue is that he’s LeBron’s son, although, so he’ll should study to develop alongside all of the criticism that comes together with it.
Andrew Kulha might be the one sports activities author you understand who additionally doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports
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