Bronny James says there are some negative aspects of being the son of the biggest basketball star in the world – especially the criticism he has to endure.
The former USC guard spoke with SiriusXM NBA Radio about his controversial decision to enter the NBA draft despite being very underdeveloped. For the most part, he seems content.
“I always want to end up where I’m happy the most,” James said.
“[My] mom always told me to take me where my heart wants me to be … and I’ve just found happiness in what I’m doing right now … I feel like that’s where I want myself to be at.”
Dad though? LeBron James has been Bronny’s biggest backer, no doubt. But having to fill those sneakers? It’s not always easy.
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Bronny James On Criticism: It’s Tough Being LeBron’s Kid
The younger James indicated during the interview that it’s not always rainbows and lollipops being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
“It’s tough,” Bronny said of trying to play basketball in the shadow of LeBron James.
“A lot of criticism gets thrown my way. But you know, I’ve got to deal with it,” he continued. “They don’t know what I’ve been through … I just try to make the best of my opportunities that [are] given to me.”
"It's tough. A lot of criticism gets thrown my way"
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 20, 2024
🔊Bronny James explains what it's like being the son of an all-time great@RobbieHummel | @BronnyJamesJr pic.twitter.com/DOsUpLSaIa
Bronny is right, we really don’t know what he’s been through. He came back to the USC Trojans just months after suffering a cardiac arrest. That’s being through some things.
RELATED: LeBron James Deletes Post Demanding People Leave His Kid Alone
It’s Good To Be The Son Of The King
The other school of thought, however, is that the “opportunities” given to Bronny James have been amplified precisely because of who his father is.
Bronny averaged 4.8 points per game with USC. He had a field goal percentage of 36.6% and a 3-point percentage of 26.7%. He also contributed 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Every single one of those stats was down from earlier in the season when LeBron James complained about coverage of his son’s draft stock falling. This means he dropped out of mock drafts due to his play and then actually got worse.
Would somebody like that be considered as a draft pick if not for his last name?
In fact, multiple outlets have reported on teams being interested in drafting Bronny as a primary means to lure LeBron to their team as well.
It will surely suck to have your every move compared and contrasted with your father. But nobody would be even watching your every move if not for him.
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