The Los Angeles Lakers have selected Bronny James, the son of their star LeBron James, with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This move has prompted accusations of nepotism, especially after the 19-year-old did not impress during his college stint.
However, league insider Adrian Wojnarowski defended Bronny James during the television coverage of the draft on ESPN, even before the Lakers officially used their pick on him.
"I don't want to hear the charges, people talking about nepotism. The NBA is full of nepotism. The ownership level, front offices, coaching. I don't want to hear about it all of a sudden because Bronny James' father plays for the Lakers. It is rampant in this league," the 55-year-old journalist said.
Woj made these remarks when the Indiana Pacers were on the clock with the 50th overall pick, five picks before the Lakers selected the 6-foot-2 combo guard.
During the draft, James' agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul reached out to teams, advising against selecting him in the second round and suggesting that he would opt to play overseas in Australia's NBL if they did.
Bronny's underwhelming college performance
Despite his father being arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Bronny did not exactly light it up during his lone season of college basketball with the USC Trojans.
The 19-year-old averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game, shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from three. He joined the team midseason after recovering from a cardiac arrest during offseason workouts.
Bronny's modest statistics and limited experience-playing in only 25 games and starting in six-have led some fans and analysts to question his decision to enter the draft.
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