Many in the world of the internet and social media are convinced that the Lakers drafting LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, was at LeBron’s behest and that the younger James’ skill had nothing to do with it.
The Lakers tell a different story.
“Rob and I didn’t give Bronny anything,” new Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Tuesday during a press conference introducing James and fellow Lakers No. 17 draft pick Dalton Knecht. “Bronny earned this. … Bronny earned this with hard work.”
Bronny, meanwhile, described joining the league as an adventure.
“There’s definitely more pressure,” Bronny said. “I’ve already seen some talk on social media and the internet and stuff about maybe I don’t deserve a chance, but I’ve dealt with these things my whole life, so it’s no different than it’s always been, but there’s definitely more pressure, but I think I can get through it.”
James spoke about how the Lakers gave him an opportunity to prove his true worth.
“I feel like I’ve been able to hone my game,” Bronny said. “I didn’t get many opportunities at SC so I feel like I’ve been given a chance to really show what I’m capable of. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
His playing time at USC was minimal given that James did not start, and when he was on the court his contributions were middling at best. James averaged “19.3 minutes per game on 36.6% shooting (26.7% from 3-point range), 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists” at USC. ESPN.
Bronny said playing alongside his father was not his main motivation for deciding to join the NBA.
“Rob told me they have a great development system here, so I just want to come here, do my job and get better every day,” Bronny said. “I never really thought about playing with my dad, but the opportunity was always there to get involved, but it wasn’t my main goal.”
That may not have been Bronny James’ focus, but it certainly was the focus of his father and the Lakers organization: Very few players who don’t start for their college teams, average less than five points a game, and end up being drafted into the NBA.
Now that the father-son pairing has become a reality, their appearance together on the court has become a magnet for the basketball viewing world.
