Even if the Los Angeles Lakers keep Bronny James on the sidelines, his name can’t be kept away from the headlines for long because of his legacy from his father LeBron James. After spending almost 21 years in the league, LeBron has given a lot to the league gaining views with his immense fanbase and following. That’s why even if Bronny comes with the feeling of doing everything on his own, the basketball community will always see him as a sapling growing under the shade of the tree, King James. That’s why the Lakers picking him up in the second round at the draft was always the center of questioning.
However, Fox Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd said that it is not that big of a deal since we have many examples around us of nepotism. Although he admitted that Bronny James is not the one to be made up for the league as he said, “I think his son[Bronny] is a G-Leaguer. I think, at best, his son is a low-end rotational player. …You can argue after the 36th or 37th pick it was a G-League draft.” It does seem fit, considering their lack of height with a 6’2″ stature, which is for a shooting guard but not that great for a player in an offensive role. His 2.2% steal rate on the court depicts his defensive prowess. However, on the offensive side, Bronny is still not that great of an asset. Still, Cowherd explained the reason for Bronny getting drafted despite his lack of skill.
“How many sons who aren’t qualified or at minimum aren’t the best candidate end up on their father’s staff in the NFL or college? You do me a solid and I got dinner. You help me move, I owe you. It’s the world we live in,” Colin justified Bronny’s entry into the league with this statement. At first glance, it does seem like a nepo act from father LeBron James but Bronny can prove his worth in the league with his decisive role in the team.
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Can Bronny James do justice to his draft despite all the criticism?
No matter how much Bronny James receives criticism for his abilities his defensive end was always strong. His ability to push hard against the screens with his lower body strength, along with his 6’7″ wingspan, makes him a despicable defender. Also, he moves his shoulder to move around screens and push offense out the bucket ring. It not only compels the opposite team to reset their offense but also puts the defense against the wall for responding in a better way to Bronny’s tactics.
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USA Today via Reuters Jul 6, 2024; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. (9) celebrates from the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
However, the height factor pulls him down as a rim protector. Also, his role is that of a shooting guard on the team. However, he has just averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game which raised concerns about his role in offense. With 26.7% shooting beyond the arc, he definitely is not in the league to manage the title of shooting guard in the league like the NBA. But there are chances of development in that aspect, which time will tell for the Lakers.
So if Bronny wants to deliver well as per the NBA community’s expectation, he must stick to the role of off-ball playmaker. His ability to steal and the possibility of growing as a rim-defender makes him a formidable opponent to face on the other side of the court. It will be worth watching how the Lakers rookie evolves under the shade of his legendary father, LeBron James.
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Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
Why Bronny James Can’t Live Up to His Father LeBron’s Legacy? Colin Cowherd Explains the Truth
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