Bronny James realized a lifelong dream last month when he heard his name called in the NBA draft.
The 19-year-old was the 55th pick in the draft, but the circumstances surrounding his selection have led to some negative buzz.
Of course, his father is LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers drafted his son.
Rumours of power-hungry and nepotism have swirled since that day, but the two brothers, who will soon be competing against each other in the NBA, dismiss those negative rumors.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. drives the ball against the Houston Rockets during a summer league game, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
“I think no matter who you are, there’s going to be negativity. There are always trolls online trying to tear people down, no matter what,” rookie Cody Williams said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “(Jayson) Tatum just won a championship and people are still saying he’s the most overrated player. People are still going to do anything they can to tear him down.”
“I think this is an incredible moment. Son and father are both talented enough to play in the best league in the world. You don’t get there by being bad,” he continued. “They’re both good and they both deserve to be there. It’s a special moment that they share.”
Williams’ older brother is Jalen Williams, a rising star with the Oklahoma City Thunder who is in his third season in the NBA.
Cody Williams and Jalen Williams pose for a photo during the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in Brooklyn. (Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA trainer gives positive outlook for Bronny James’ NBA career
The two brothers have a similar outlook, with Jalen himself saying he doesn’t understand why people can’t see history “for what it is.” LeBron and Bronny are the first active father-son duo in NBA history.
“You can’t take anything away from somebody who makes it in the NBA. Only time will tell. Personally, I don’t understand why people aren’t excited about it,” Jalen said. “I think it’s really cool. People aren’t taking it for what it is.”
“Bron played until August almost every year and did that for over 20 years, waiting for his son to get the opportunity to play on the same team as him. I think people look down on that, but that’s the nature of our sport. Now everyone has a voice on social media and everyone will have an opinion, but even just looking at it from the outside, it’s an incredible achievement on both sides. I can’t help but admire it.”
Bronny James and Bryce James present LeBron James with the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance onstage at the 2023 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
James appeared in four games during the NBA Summer League, averaging 8.8 points per game.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
