"Bronny 'Make-a-Swish' James" - Controversial analyst mocks Bronny James' shenanigans after momentous game in Cleveland
LA Lakers rookie guard Bronny James made his first NBA basket during Wednesday's 134-110 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cleveland native received overwhelming fan support, with the Cavaliers gifting him the game net. However, according to Blaze Media's Jason Whitlock, the rookie's special treatment was undeserved.
Bronny, Lakers superstar forward LeBron James' son, has received unprecedented media coverage for a second-round draft pick to begin his career. Nevertheless, he hasn't gotten much playing time.
The No. 55 pick played only three minutes during LA's 110-103 season-opening victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22, missing both his shot attempts. Afterward, he received three consecutive DNPs leading up to Wednesday's homecoming.
With the game out of hand for the Lakers, Bronny checked in with 5:16 remaining and received a raucous standing ovation from the Cavaliers' crowd. A few minutes later, he converted the first basket of his career, knocking down a fadeaway wing jumper with 2:06 left. The crowd erupted during the play, showing immense support for the hometown kid.
Following the contest, Cleveland insider Danny Cunningham shared on X/Twitter that Bronny was awarded the game net. However, Whitlock seemingly took exception to the gesture the next day.
According to Whitlock, Bronny getting celebrated for his first points and taking home the net is a sign he doesn't belong in the NBA.
"Bronny 'Make-a-Swish' James is the Tim Walz of the NBA," Whitlock said. "#StolenValor. If you really belonged, you wouldn't do this."
Whitlock has been a constant critic of LeBron and Bronny. After LA's season opener, he called the former an "egomaniac" who is "throwing his son into the script."
So, it appears the controversial analyst will target Bronny every chance he gets this season as the rookie continues achieving career milestones.
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Bronny James expresses gratitude for Cavaliers fans' support amid questions about his deservingness to be in NBA
Jason Whitlock is one of several analysts who have questioned Bronny James' deservingness of an NBA roster spot. Nevertheless, the rookie guard has seemingly remained humble and grateful for his opportunity.
After Wednesday's contest, Bronny expressed apparent disbelief at the magnitude of Cavaliers fans' support for him. He noted that he appreciated scoring his first basket in his home city.
"It was insane," Bronny said. "Much more than I anticipated for sure. It's all love. It was a nice moment. The chants really got me. I was straight-faced, but I felt it, and it felt pretty good, especially coming from here."
Bronny and the Lakers (3-2) continue their road trip on Friday against the Toronto Raptors (1-4).
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