NBA fans predict how Bronny James would be trash-talked about nepotism: "Dillon Brooks is the answer"
LA Lakers rookie Bronny James remains the subject of much debate, with many linking his selection in the 2024 NBA draft to being the son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Fans have taken various routes in throwing shade at the young player on social media.
Among the most recent was posted by X/Twitter user That Rabbit Guy, who wondered who among the NBA players would be trash-talking the former USC player over his perceived 'easy' path to the NBA paved way by 'The King.'
Fans took turns in giving their take on the comments section. Below are what some of them wrote:
"Dillon Brooks is the only right answer," one fan wrote, referring to the Houston Rockets forward, who had his fair share of run-ins with Bronny James' father.
It was followed by another fan who agreed on Brooks while also suggesting the name of veteran guard Patrick Beverley, who played last season with the Milwaukee Bucks:
"Facts and probably Beverly"
One, meanwhile, threw in the name of Golden State Warriors resident enforcer Draymond Green.
"prolly dray," one wrote.
Another lumped Green with the likes of Beverley and one-time league Russell Westbrook:
"Dramond Green, Beverly maybe Westbrook"
Some fans surmised trash-talking could emanate within the Lakers themselves, even from LeBron James, even it's highly unlikely.
"His teammates," one fan wrote.
"I think it's gone be DLo," chimed in by another, referring to Lakers starting pont guard D'Angelo Russell.
Another made it a family affair:
"LeBron"
There were others who wondered how Bronny James would have handled notorious trash-talkers of the past like Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson, with one fan writing:
"Nobody in today's era... if KG and Rasheed Wallace was still in the league, they definitely would've said it 100%."
Bronny James' decision to enter this year's NBA Draft was met with mixed reactions after an underwhelming lone season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on a 36.6% clip in 19.4 minutes of play in 25 games.
Nevertheless, he was was selected in the second round of the draft, 55th overall, by the Lakers and joined his father.
Bronny James confident he can go through all the criticisms in the NBA
Bronny James is happy to be given the chance to play in the NBA but is fully aware of the doubts surrounding the opportunity given to him. It's something he's raring to prove himself from and is confident of succeeding.
The 55th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft said about the pressure earlier this week after the LA Lakers presented him to members of media at the team's facility in Los Angeles. The eldest son of LeBron James said:
"For sure, (there is) amplified amount of pressure. I've already seen it on social media and stuff, and the internet and stuff and talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I've been dealing with stuff like this my whole life.
"So it's nothing different , but it's more amplified, for sure. But I'll get through it."
With the Lakers, Bronny is making history by teaming up with his father LeBron James, becoming the first-ever dad-son duo to play together in NBA history.