Bronny James‘ entrance into the NBA has been a subject of great debate among basketball fans. To the few who might be unaware of ongoing events, Bronny is the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. He is finally able to fulfill his father’s desire to play together in the NBA.
While there have been cases of father-son duos in the NBA, LeBron and Bronny will be the first duo to have their careers overlap as teammates. Although this should be a positive story that makes fans feel pleased over the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny, there has also been a fair amount of fans calling out the entire process.
Bronny James has been the center of attention after being selected with the 55th pick
It had been reported well before the 2024 NBA Draft began that this was a weak draft class with fans barely knowing anything about the best prospects from across the world. Zaccharie Risacher was selected with the first pick by the Atlanta Hawks.
Although Risacher and several others are coming off dominant collegiate or pro seasons, they have been placed in the shadows by the media. Since Bronny was chosen by the Lakers in the second round of the Draft, that news seized the majority of attention.
The claims of nepotism surrounding Bronny will never die
Both sides of these claims have a valid stance. On one hand, there is no denying that keeping LeBron James happy played an important role in the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James. On the other hand, nepotism in terms of the draft has been going on since the very beginning.
Most recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brothers and Scottie Pippen’s son were given an opportunity to play in the NBA. One should wonder if it is fair to claim that they got to where they did on their own and Bronny did not.Bronny James recently signed a 4-year contract worth 7.9 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. His play in the upcoming season is expected to be scrutinized quite greatly. Since his father is King James, Bronny will have to deal with and accept that fact while trying to establish his own legacy in the NBA.