Bronny James has been the laughing stock of the NBA since he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers before the start of the 2024-25 regular season. However, many thought the memes and the hate would have died down completely by now. That’s just not the case, though. Since getting sent to the NBA’s G-League, Bronny has gotten slightly less hate. However, he is still very much a target for sports analysts and fans alike. Although, after a recent incident regarding LeBron James, things may change for good.
At a recent Los Angeles Lakers game, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was standing on the court watching warmups. Smith had been very harsh with his Bronny James criticisms, but that may not happen again. James marched up to Stephen and had a face-to-face talk with him. While everything that was said is still unknown, LBJ allegedly asked Stephen A. Smith to tone down on the Bronny James hate. However, this has arguably made things worse for Bronny. Now, it seems some fans think he needs his father to fight his battles for him. However, according to TMZ, Bronny has spoken out regarding his haters. “I take that and use it as fuel,” says James Jr.
Bronny James’ on-Court Struggles Ease Amid LeBron James Drama
It’s clear that Bronny has struggled in the NBA since being drafted. However, his time in the G-League seems to have helped his game tremendously. James Jr. is slowly but surely coming out of his shell and getting a feel for NBA-level basketball. It is no secret that Bronny was not ready to come out of college. However, LeBron may not have the years left in his career to wait for his son to be ready. Although, rushing him onto the Lakers was most likely not the best move for The King or his son.
Bronny James is averaging 20 points per game in the G-League. Despite it being a different game than the NBA, this is still an impressive achievement. The amount of pressure that Bronny is under is unfair. Growing up as the son of the best basketball player of all time in LeBron James has its pros and cons. However, James Jr. has handled the limelight pretty well as he continues to improve his overall game.
LeBron James was understandably protecting his son. However, the NBA is a grown man’s league. Bronny James will have to get better, toughen up, and keep his head down if he wants to survive in the NBA. Luckily for the young athlete, if basketball does not pan out, he has endless other options for his career.
