In a perfect world, nobody would’ve thought it’d happen for Bronny
James. A first and last name which carries a historical legacy with great
responsibility. All of which came with backlash when his name was
called Friday afternoon during the 2024 NBA Draft. James Jr was
drafted 55th overall in round two by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The negative backlash which followed missed an overall moment which
we’d never seen in professional basketball: a father and son duo on the
same team. National media outlets, content creators, any and every one
had their “two cents” to the Lakers selecting James Jr. First, his father
has earned the right to play with his firstborn son. Secondly, who are you
to judge who the Lakers draft? Jealousy, envy, hate were on full display
as many started to spew “nepotism” towards James Sr and the Lakers
organization.
James Jr’s career came to a halt a year ago; upon suffering cardiac arrest
during his first practices at University of Southern California. A medical
scare brought his career to a stop; a traumatic event for himself and the
family, it took a toll on everyone. Would his NBA dreams be taken away
over a heart attack? A healthy young man who worked his entire life to
reach his dreams of playing professional basketball was on the
backburner.
He missed a majority of his freshman season due to the recovery of
surgery; managed to score 4 points a game and a few highlight reels.
The media neglected to mention his medical scare; while finding outliers
of “he’s not NBA talent” or “the Lakers are a joke at this point.” You
see, the media wants to see this fail and watch it burn. With the odds
stacked against James’ career, he hasn’t stepped foot on an NBA court
and people want him to fall short.
He knows this and will only play harder on a nightly basis, proving the
media wrong. For a 19 year old young man whose life and career were
in doubt, James Jr has won in life. National sports media didn’t elaborate
on this after he was selected. All they wanted to scream was “nepotism.”
To hear his name called and fulfill his dream of being an NBA player;
plus play alongside his father in the twilight stage of his career, it’s a
blessing.
For James Jr, the legacy will be on his young shoulders. Being around
the league and understanding how to move differently speaks volumes.
A bright young man who’ll be the future of Los Angeles Lakers
basketball. He’s earned this moment of gratitude to be here and live his
dreams of playing basketball for the biggest brand in the sport. It won’t
be easy, but his work ethics and drive for greatness runs deep in the
genetics.
Los Angeles Lakers have a young core to build and develop moving
forward. With new head coach JJ Redick on board, James Jr’s career is capable greatness. This is one of many chapters he’ll write in his book.
Opening night in The Crypt will be special; to see both James Sr and Jr
take the floor while making history. A new era begins as the Fresh
Prince of Los Angeles will be the face of a bright Lakers future.
