(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
After months of speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers headed into the 2024 NBA Draft with the intent of selecting Bronny James, son of superstar LeBron James, with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round.
In the first round of the draft, the Lakers scored in a major way, with the team selecting University of Tennessee star Dalton Knecht at No. 17 overall, which has been considered to be the steal of the draft by many.
However, despite receiving high praise for bringing in Knecht and getting a player who can conceivably make an impact right away, the franchise received nothing but criticism for what seems to be an extreme case of nepotism by drafting LeBron James’ son, who might not even be able to hold his own on the professional level.
Even though the Lakers have put themselves in the crosshairs with their controversial decision to bring in Bronny James, the team and the rookie guard have gotten some supporters like former Lakers superstar Shaquille O’Neal, who came to his defense on The Big Podcast.
Shaq on the scrutiny Bronny James has faced.
It wouldn’t be The Big Podcast with Shaq without @TheGeneralAuto – visit online to get a quote today! pic.twitter.com/PoXPhQLMlQ
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) July 1, 2024
O’Neal can somewhat sympathize with Bronny’s situation in Los Angeles, as his eldest son, Shareef O’Neal, played for the team’s Summer League squad and probably dealt with a fair amount of nepotism claims.
Unfortunately for Bronny James, the only thing he can do is concentrate on basketball and try as hard he can to be successful on the NBA level, as the only way the noise will subside is if he proves his worth on the professional level.
The post Shaq Gets Honest About Scrutiny Of Bronny James appeared first on The Cold Wire.