Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James pushed back against criticism surrounding his son Bronny James during a recent interview with TIME, making it clear that he does not view the young guard’s NBA career as a product of nepotism.
In a profile written by Sean Gregory, James addressed the scrutiny that has followed Bronny since he entered the league and defended both his son’s work ethic and his own role as a father.
“The kid has earned his right to be a professional athlete,” James said.
While James acknowledged that criticism comes with being one of the most recognizable families in sports, he drew a clear line regarding attacks directed at his parenting.
“The thing you’re not going to do is throw stones at us as a family,” James said. “I’m not letting that sh-t slide, because I know what I’ve created because of what I didn’t have.”
LeBron James draws line between Bronny criticism and attacks on family
Father-son duo LeBron and Bronny James on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
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James added that basketball opinions are fair game, but personal attacks are not.
“So if you want to talk about the kid, that he shouldn’t be an NBA player, I don’t care about that,” James said. “As long as you don’t get to the fatherhood piece. I don’t play those games.”
Bronny recently completed his second NBA season with the Lakers. The 21-year-old guard averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from three-point range and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line across 42 appearances. He also made one start during the season.
The young guard received limited postseason opportunities but appeared in eight playoff games for Los Angeles. He averaged 1.5 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc in 5.3 minutes per game.
Bronny’s arrival in the NBA created a historic milestone, allowing him and his father to become the first father-son duo to play together in league history. The achievement also intensified debate regarding his path to the NBA.
LeBron’s latest comments suggest he remains unfazed by outside criticism and firmly believes his son earned his place at the professional level. As Bronny continues his development with the Lakers, his father appears determined to defend both his basketball journey and the family that helped shape it.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James pushed back against criticism surrounding his son Bronny James during a recent interview with TIME, making it clear that he does not view the young guard’s NBA career as a product of nepotism. In a profile written by Sean Gregory, James addressed the scrutiny that has followed Bronny since he entered the league and defended both his son’s work ethic and his own role as a father.