The paths that allow people to get into the NBA are quite restrictive. Most rookie players have to go through an open draft yearly, with some getting selected to big-money contracts with the expectations of them being franchise-changing. Some players get to grow up around basketball as kids of NBA athletes and then follow in their father’s footsteps.
One of those fathers who has inspired his sons to pursue a career in basketball is LeBron James. Bronny James and Bryce James are already highly-touted prospects. While Bryce is yet to officially be ranked, he is considered to be one of the best players in the class based on the development of his athletics. Bronny has plateud in size, but is an explosive guard that can both slash and shoot 3s. The brothers often work out with their superstar father.
LeBron has not only expressed a desire to play with Bronny, but he told Sports Illustrated that he may try to stay until Bryce’s debut in 2027 if he makes it to the league. However, Chriss Broussard of FOX believes LeBron has put too much pressure on his kids.
“I think LeBron, from all appearances, is a terrific father,” Broussard said. “I don’t mind it being out there, ‘Hey, I’d love to play with my sons one day.’ But I do feel like it puts a ton of pressure on them.”
“Bronny is not one of the top ranked players in his class. He’s top 30 or 40, but not like top five where he’s a definite one-and-done case. If they don’t make it, it could make them feel like failure. I think you got to be careful with that. But I hope it works, and he (LeBron) can play with these guys.”
The challenge of living as the children of LeBron James will forever exist for Bryce and Bronny. While they have gotten a lot of opportunities by having this relationship, they will always be compared to their father, who is one of the most accomplished men of the 21st century.
Hopefully, both the James brothers make it to the league on merit. If LeBron were to play until then, it’d be incredibly remarkable to see a player play over 20 years of his prime continuing that domination going forward.
