Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper has come to the defense of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, amidst criticism that the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny was driven by nepotism. During an appearance on Scoop B Radio, Cooper said:
“When you’re that good, people try to find little knicks and knacks about you, but this is not about nepotism at all. It’s about drafting a young player that could definitely help the Lakers in the long run, and he happens to have the name James.”
“LeBron James, his father, has done so much for the game of basketball… now he’s being the first player to ever play with his son, and why not do it in a Lakers uniform?”
Cooper sees Bronny’s selection as one of the greatest moments in basketball history, not just because of his potential as a player but also because it sets the stage for an unprecedented father-son duo in the NBA. This isn’t the first time Cooper has supported the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny. Shortly after the 2024 NBA Draft, he praised the pick, highlighting Bronny’s potential to improve and the opportunity it presents for LeBron to achieve yet another first in his illustrious career.
Cooper, who won five championships with the Lakers and was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, firmly believes that Bronny was selected based on his talent and potential, not merely because of his famous last name.
While Bronny is expected to spend most of the 2024-25 season in the G League, Cooper remains optimistic about his future impact on the Lakers. He believes that Bronny has the potential to develop into a key player for the team, and he dismisses any notion that his selection was anything other than a strategic move by the Lakers.
Austin Reaves Defends Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has come to the defense of his new teammate, Bronny James, amidst criticism and high expectations stemming from being the son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Reaves, who has quickly become a key player for the Lakers, expressed his excitement to see Bronny grow and develop his own identity in the league, despite the immense pressure that comes with his last name.
Speaking during a recent tour in the Philippines, Reaves acknowledged the challenges Bronny faces but emphasized the importance of allowing him to carve out his own path.
“Obviously, he gets a bad rap because of who his dad is. Everybody’s going to hold him to the standards of his dad when the kid just wants to play and have fun and create his own path.”
“For me to be able to be around him and see what that’s going to be like, it’s going to be very cool for me. I can’t wait to see Bronny grow and ultimately make a career for himself in his own way.”
Reaves also highlighted how valuable it will be for him personally to witness Bronny’s journey firsthand.
Bronny had a slow start in the NBA Summer League but showed promise in his final games, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. As the season approaches, both Reaves and the Lakers organization are eager to support Bronny as he begins his professional career, with the added historical significance of potentially playing alongside his father, LeBron James.
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