When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, many saw it as nepotism. After all, he didn’t exactly shine during his lone season with USC, averaging 4.8 points per game and shooting just 36.7% from the field.
However, his father is LeBron Jamesso it seemed quite obvious to everyone but Nike and Lakers coach JJ Reddick that his selection by Los Angeles in the draft was a favor to the team’s superstar.
After signing a $7.9 million, four-year contractBronny James played 27 games for the Lakers in his rookie season, averaging 2.3 points and 6.7 minutes per game. During his second season, Bronny averaged 2.9 points in an average of 8.9 minutes in 42 games.
Naturally, Bronny James’ father will always have his back, even if what he says to defend him seems like complete nonsense.
Such was the case this week during an interview given by LeBron James. Time magazine as part of its 2026 list of the “100 Most Influential People in Sports.”
“Of all the s— I’ve done in basketball, that’s the best accomplishment I’ve ever had,” LeBron James said about him and Bronny becoming the first father and son to help each other on the baskets.
LeBron James disputes claims that his son Bronny benefited from nepotism
As for Bronny James getting his chance in the NBA due to nepotism, LeBron claims that had nothing to do with it.
“The kid earned his right to be a professional athlete,” LeBron said. “What they’re not going to do is throw stones at us as a family. I’m not going to let that shit go, because I know what I created for what I didn’t have.
“So if you want to talk about the kid, how he shouldn’t be an NBA player, I don’t care about that. As long as you don’t get to the parenting thing. I don’t play those games.”
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