Fans leap to Bronny James’ defense amid backlash from ‘Nepo Baby’ as NBA greenlights following cardiac arrest

LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., the older son of four-time NBA champion LeBron and Savannah James, appears to have cleared one other hurdle on his path to becoming an NBA player, but before he even made it, he faced some “nepo baby” criticism. big league.

According to ESPNBronny James has been cleared to play by the NBA’s physical fitness panel after suffering a cardiac arrest during a practice on the University of Southern California in July 2023.

The 19-year-old reportedly appeared in 25 games for USC as a freshman and is anticipated to take part in five-on-five scrimmages in Chicago on May 14 before the draft. NBADraft.net.

Since not less than 2018, LeBron has publicly expressed hope that he would someday play with Bronny on the NBA level.

“You want to ask me what would be the greatest achievement of my life? If I was on the court at the same time as my son in the NBA.” James told ESPN before the 2018 NBA Finals. “That would be No. 1 of my life as an NBA player.”

James doubled his position in the course of the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend.

“My senior year will be spent with my son,” James said Athlete. “Wherever Bronny is, I’ll be there. I would do anything to play with my son for a year. It’s not about money at this point.”

Bronny declared for the NBA draft in April, and it appears his father’s priorities have now modified.

“I had a year full of ups and downs, but all of it contributed to my development as a man, student and athlete.” Brony wrote on Instagram on April 5. “I have made the decision to enter the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility and will also enter the NCAA transfer portal.”

Bronny also entered the NCAA transfer portal, which provides him some flexibility. He now has until May 29 to determine whether he’ll return to college or remain within the NBA draft. However, there are already rumors that Bronny will leave school and pursue skilled football.

“Bronny is expected to remain in the June NBA draft, and a lot of that depends on the belief of the team and the industry,” ESPN reporter Shams Charania said on “The The Pat McAfee show“

Fans have strong feelings about Bronny entering the league, with the teenager being named “Bronny’s Nepo” by someone.

– Nepo, darling. Unfortunately, all I’ve heard about Bronny is that he’s an excellent kid, but due to his dad, he’s going to be put somewhere he should not be.” – User X he tweeted.

“Nepotism at its best. It’s ridiculous that Bronny gets invited to the NBA while Caleb Love, , PAC-12 Player of the Year, doesn’t – added one other.

Others supported the opportunity of Bronny and LeBron playing together.

“Bronny is the biggest Nepo baby ever and that’s why I’m here. I want to see him and his dad on the court together. This will be really fun to watch and I guess it will be really special for both of them,” fan he tweeted.

“Bronny is de facto staying within the draft, lol. Nepotism wins,” wrote one other on Twitter.

“It’s kind of funny when an audience that has benefited greatly from nepotism over several generations has a problem with Bronny being treated in a similar way” – one other fan he said.

While Bronny’s future continues to be uncertain, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst disagreed with the concept that the Lakers would routinely select him.

“Over the last few months, Rich Paul, who is LeBron and Bronny James’ agent, has been trying to dispel the notion that drafting Bronny James means you’re going to get LeBron,” Windhorst said May 13 on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I consider LeBron will opt out of his contract next month. And I actually consider he has several reasons for wanting to do that. And leaving the choice to play with Bronny is on the list, but I do not think it’s at the highest. I actually think he’ll come back to the Lakers.

Windhorst didn’t completely rule out LeBron and Bronny working together next season. He warned other teams that drafting the son of an NBA icon now not meant LeBron would necessarily join the identical team.

“I think if the Lakers have the opportunity to sign Bronny James, they will do it,” he said. “Whether it is the fifty fifth pick or they make one other deal in reference to the draft where they take one other pick, I feel they’ll try. I do not think this can be their top priority. And I do not think the league is taking a look at this immediately as a Bronny James draft to get LeBron.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared an identical sentiment, saying the James family is targeted on what’s best for Bronny, who, if ultimately chosen, could spend significant time within the G League next season.

“The idea of ​​them playing together is just not a priority. This is not any longer crucial thing, not less than still, in LeBron James’s mind,” Wojnarowski said. “Rich Paul’s goal within the pre-draft process for Bronny James is to see if there is an appropriate development organization, a spot that may accommodate a young player like Bronny James. … If he enters the draft, he’ll more than likely spend next yr within the G League.

“This is a priority for them as a family,” Wojnarowski added. “What’s best for Bronny James? If they find yourself together, that might be great, but I do not feel prefer it plays any role in LeBron James’ decision for next season.

Bronny finished his freshman season averaging 4.8 points and a pair of.8 rebounds per game. USC had a season that many considered disappointing and failed to advance to the NCAA Tournament.

The undeniable fact that Bronny was able to return to the basketball court just a number of months after a health scare is an achievement in itself, but his overall production last season typically didn’t draw much interest from NBA scouts or executives – and neither did the opposite candidates on this yr’s draft is known as LeBron James Jr.