Bronny James has conceded that being the son of a legend is difficult. The eldest son of LeBron James disclosed that growing up in his father’s shadow has been challenging.
“It’s tough,” Bronny said in an interview with NBA Central this week. “A lot of criticism gets thrown my way, but you know, I’ve got to deal with it,” he added.
“[My critics] don’t know what I’ve been through … I just try to make the best of [the] opportunities that’s given to me.”
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James, the 19-year-old guard with just one season of college basketball at USC, discussed his decision to transition from college basketball to the professional level.
“You know I always want to end up where I’m happy the most,” he explained.
“[My] mom has always told me you know, ‘take me where my heart wants me to be,’ and I just found happiness in what I’m doing right now, and I feel like that’s where I want myself to be at.”
When asked if he had ever considered pursuing a sport other than basketball, James responded with a definitive “no.”
“I mean I’ve played other sports,” he said. “I played soccer. [I] wasn’t allowed to play football. My mom didn’t allow that. So yeah, I’ve always been a sports guy, but basketball was just my cup of tea.”
In April, the college freshman announced his intention to join his father in the NBA, pending his selection in the June draft.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added growth for me as a man, student, and athlete,” James wrote on Instagram, seemingly referencing the fact he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session in July 2023.
“I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal,” he went on.
“Thank you to USC for an amazing freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers, and fans for their support.”
Despite impressing in multiple areas at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, concerns persist about James’ readiness for the professional level. An anonymous NBA general manager told The Ringer that “Bronny is nowhere near ready.”
The anonymous NBA general manager advised James to return to school to develop at his own pace, warning that he risks “getting lost in the shuffle” even if playing alongside his father.
LeBron James has expressed support for his son’s autonomy, stating during the NBA All-Star Game Weekend in February that he would “let the kid make his own decision.”
