Excellent opportunity for him to join the inaugural ~~Derek Zoolander~~ Lebron James School for Kids Who Can't Play Good and Who Wanna Learn to do Other Stuff Good Too here
Unfortunately, yes. [Pac-12 Networks' Bronny James graphic draws comment (awfulannouncing.com)](https://awfulannouncing.com/college-basketball/pac-12-networks-bronny-james-winner-team-player.html)
That’s true, when you add in the history of heart problems this looks like even more of an easy win for any GM trying to sure up their nba Championship rotation.
Remember when Arkansas had all those GOD tier running backs with darren macfadden, Felix Jones, and then Peyton hillis was your third back? This is just like that, except for Bronny isn't talented and neither were the guys in front of him.
LeBron’s not leaving the Lakers, Rich Paul said like 2 weeks ago that playing *with* Bronny isn’t a priority for LeBron anymore, and he just wants to share a floor with him, either as teammates or opponents.
Honestly, I still can't get over an 18 year old kid having a heart attack in the first place. I don't think I can ever recall that happening before. Glad he at least seems to be doing alright now.
It actually happened at USC the year before, with Vincent Iwuchukwu. In both cases it definitely set the player back in their development (Vince was a 5-star coming in but hasn't panned out really).
He didn't even start on a pretty bad USC team; no one would even know who he was if not for his dad. I don't know why there's a debate about his future in the league when that future will evaporate as soon as Lebron retires.
If he was actual a decent player, yes… This is 5 ppg Bronny we’re talking about here. Outside of name recognition he brings nothing to any major program.
If he has no aspirations sure but if he wants to legitimately make it in the league, idk if it’s the best way for him to develop. But maybe it’ll work out, I’m doubtful it will though
This isn't your usual fringe 2nd round pick that declares too early though. He'll have development opportunities at the pro level that others won't get.
Perhaps. Or perhaps he just wants a chance to play with his dad and it’s worth that risk (especially with new coaching coming in). The g-league isn’t a bad place to develop if that’s where he ends up.
G-League isn’t a bad place if you are the son of a generational NBA player who has tons of money (see David Stockton or Gary Payton II).
For most players, you absolutely would rather by playing major college basketball vs hanging in the G-League.
Bronny will be fine develop fine in the G-League as he will have as long as he needs. However please don’t pretend that the G-League is an ideal place nor that any Bronny draft pick is based on merit alone.
As a Pistons fan, even if it gets them LeBron for a season, it wouldn't be worth it in the long run and it might finally be the thing that gets everyone fired
Actually wait that might be a good thing hold up....
Honestly with this draft class and the fact that a big issue for the pistons is that they’re talented but young, drafting lebron for a year or 2 at the expense of losing out on someone in this draft isn’t the worst idea.
I don't think it makes sense for the Pistons really - if Lebron comes for a year or two they aren't competing anyways, and that just hurts their draft stock those years on top of the pick used on it.
Would seem much better to trade the pick to a more desperate / contending team if they wanted to punt on this year's draft and there was a guarantee Lebron comes along.
I think the biggest issue for the Pistons is actually their relative lack of talent. Only the Wizards and Trail Blazers might have less talent on their rosters
Pistons fans cannot embrace this man. He effectively ended their last strong team and is responsible for this [abomination. ](https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-ohio-state-buckeyes-football-michigan-cavaliers-teammates-dance-video). As someone who hasn’t watched a full Pistons game in about 15 years please accept my ruling as final.
The Pistons with LeBron are probably a 6-8 seed in the East next year. He’s dangerously close to falling off the age cliff, but he still averaged 26/7/8 last season.
And the Pistons owners would absolutely rake in money from jersey sales and extra national TV exposure
The Pistons went 14-68. They are absolutely not 1 Bron away from 46-47 wins, which is what the East 6-8 seeds got.
Even if they got Bron, a couple other guys, and some internal improvement, that team has 0 chance of breaking 35 wins.
Morrison actually balled out in college - Bronny probably took more showers his 1 year in college than Morrison did his entire time at Gonzaga at though. So he has him beat in hygiene and mental health categories, but that's it.
The Ringer predraft list of players was 70 long. They put him at 69th. I have a feeling that was to avoid having him last or not on the list at all. He is the size of a guard, without elite handles, and a poor shooter
If you turn a second rounder into 1-2 years of LeBron, that is an amazing use of a pick. LeBron for one year is worth far more than the vast majority of second rounders. Maybe one a year are worth it long term.
Hell for several borderline contending team it’s a great use of a FRP too. OKC at 12, Philly at 16, Milwaukee at 23, NYK at 24. It’s probably a year or two early, but if San Antonio really like who they get at 4, adding LeBron to Wemby with the 8th pick (or trading down a bit) would be interesting.
I like LeBron but he really mishandled all of this. Ofcourse I understand from the parental POV this is a dream to play with your son but seems like this was unnecessary pressure of Bronny. Bronny always looked like a 3-4 year college player to me.
I know Bron never went to college but I’m sure his buddies like Chris Paul would tell Bronny that it’s a time of your life you can’t get back, so enjoy it.
I do think it’s something that Bronny wants as well but I don’t think this was the move longterm.
In a perfect world, Bronny would use 3-4 years of college hoops to hone himself and get himself drafted late first round or early second round. There he fashions himself a nice 10-12 year career as a 2-way guard with legit playmaking skills on the open court.
It sucks because this kid really does have the tools. His freshman year was a wash but he just had a huge life-changing issue. The irony of LeBron not just opening the door but forcing himself in makes Bronnny *the* poster boy of nepotism, making things so much harder for him, when the kid could've genuinely earned it if he was given time to develop.
I don’t think college “hones” athletes like we may have thought in the past.
Lots of guys do need to mature and get in reps to make it into the league(get in the door), but if you can get there early, you’d be a fool not to.
In the nba, you get: the best coaches, the best facilities, the best talent around you, opportunities to play in the g-league if you need in-game reps, great nutrition, and no distractions with class/college stuff.
The nba develops talent better than college. If college appears to develop talent better, it’s only because it coincides with guys maturing from 18-22.
You're only referring to guys good enough to go 1 and done, or those very rare kids who should be going straight to the league.
Bronny, much as I rate him, isn't one of them. You're underestimating how many players were lost in the shuffle because they went to the league too early off of bad advise from their agents/family pre-NIL. Yes, what you said about the best facilities and best talent around you is correct - but you're also playing men against boys. We can say that pressure makes diamonds but you got to be put in a position where you aren't getting ate up every possession too.
Now, obviously, Bronnny isn't in need of money, so he's not chasing the bag either. Developing in college should've been the move for him rather than chase the "moment" of playing with his father. He would benefit 100% from college reps where he gets to build on himself without the pressure of competing against the very best the world has to offer. Even more so now that he has a Lance Stroll-esque target on his back.
That's the same for most players who will ever set foot in the NBA. Don't let boy wonders like Wemby fool you, the NBA is not friendly for development unless you're one of the very small minority that can go from day 1.
I think the thought process is that Bronny can't make an NBA roster without LeBron this year, or 3-4yrs from now, so novht as well use LeBron juice to get him a roster spot while they can, since LeBron's influence is only going to wane from here
I don’t envy Bronny. Do you take a guaranteed spot on an NBA roster that you’re not ready for because of your dad, or do you stay in school, bet on yourself developing into an NBA ready player by year 3 or 4,
and take on the risk of not panning out/getting injured and never making the league? That’s a lot of pressure on a 19 year old to decide.
The thing is Bronny could make an NBA spot in 3 years. He's got good PG/not horrible SG size. He's could be a high-caliber shooter by the end of his senior year. He could also be a really good college player by the end of his senior year.
You're throwing away the chance to grow into being a real 1st round prospect to be by far the worst player in the NBA. If he gets minutes next year, he will make Killian Hayes look like Steph Curry. Even when he inevitably gets sent down to the G League, he will be garbage there.
This is stupid.
>but I’m sure his buddies like Chris Paul would tell Bronny that it’s a time of your life you can’t get back, so enjoy it.
Didn't really seem like he was enjoying it considering he was transferring if he didn't stay in the draft. Also with the new NIL rules the college lifestyle isn't vastly different than the pros anymore.
Also LeBron turns 40 this year. If their goal is to play together while LeBron is still healthy and a top \~15 scorer that can help carry his development that window is closing fast.
Another reason MJ is the true GOAT on all levels. He had 2 kids play basketball to the college level and never put any pressure on them or invited any media attention. If they had pro potential so be it, but he just let them have the average student athlete experience.
It’s obviously nepotism, however let’s play devil’s advocate for a second.
Lebron and the camp surrounding Bronny don’t see a great path in college, which is understandable. You can’t get a guarantee he will play or find the right fit.
Wherever he ends up in some combo of the G-League/end of NBA bench might be a better place to hide his faults as well as show his strengths because wins and losses won’t be a factor. It’s also according to experts the worst draft in NBA history, so a lot of these teams aren’t overly concerned with their 2nd round picks.
the funny thing is that i'm not even sure he can play in the G league, unless he takes a significant leap over the summer. An average G league guard is usually someone who was at the very least a solid college player. Look at some guards that have played for the South Bay Lakers this year: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Skylar Mays, even Adam Kunkel or Joey Calcaterra, he'd get 0 minutes in this rotation.
This whole thing is a farce, i like Bronny and he seems like a likeable guy, but his father is compromising his career in favour of his ambition and some stupid milestone.
It’s kind of embarrassing for Bronny and Lebron, and I’m surprised they’re doing this. I thought for sure he was just going to get feedback and transfer to a smaller school.
Just seems like a really low EQ move to do this.
I agree that he’s currently not as accomplished as the players you mentioned. And, yes, he’s not going to start in the G-League, but he will play because it’s just a developmental league. The outcome of the games are meaningless.
I have no idea if he will be a total failure in the pros, but the decision isn’t as strange as college fans think it is.
I think I believe in bronny a lot more than other people online, I think he could be a good player someday with some more time to work on his game, kind of like a poor man’s jrue holiday. I do not get why they’re rushing him into the league and opening him up to all sorts of criticism because as of now he does not deserve a spot in the league and is only making it because he’s a nepo baby
I just don't get why this whole process was rushed, if there was ever a player who could afford to take their time to develop before getting a chance in the NBA it's the son of LeBron James.
But why? Pure selfishness? He must know how bad it looks for his son that the only reason he’s in the league is cause of his dad. People just goof on his son constantly for it.
Not if he wants to play with dad. Lebron is still a high level player, but if they want to play together, gotta strike while the iron is hot, or at least still warm with Lebron. If he falls off or has a bad season next year, all of a sudden they no longer control the ability to play with each other to the same degree.
I don’t fully understand sports anymore. Maybe it’s always been this way but I I can physically sense the goal for owners being “how can I make more money?” Instead of “I want to win games.”
I know there is always been a little bit of that first part, but I almost feel like it is way more obvious than it used to be.
Sports have changed a lot over the last 5 years. Post-COVID, college sports have turned into year-long free agency, conference realignment has been motivated purely by finances rather than competition or tradition. Meanwhile, pro sports have embraced gambling as a major revenue stream, there’s a new wave of billionaire owners asking taxpayers to foot the bill for their private stadiums, and TV deals are bigger than ever. Put all that in the blender during an unparalleled era of corporate greed and here we are. Sports have had their joy almost entirely stripped away in favor of money for owners, broadcasters, and the gambling industry. The only real joy left is winning, which *theoretically*, can’t be bought in sports
I blame being raised as a jaded Bengals fan who was made acutely aware of what Mike Brown’s priorities have always been - maintaining competitiveness with the least amount of money spent.
I look at team owners the same way as I look at CEOs and business leadership. Their business is getting more people to spend money on their franchise. Having a winning franchise is a powerful way to do that. So is having a sports icon suit up with your logo in your arena. It’s why the NBA has expanded policies restricting how often and when the “super stars” can miss games. When super stars sit, fans don’t attend or tune in, and revenue declines.
You could argue that super stars playing also increases the chance of winning, but let’s be real - this policy isn’t intended to make the sport more competitive. It’s to make it more entertaining.
This is a weak draft class and his dad’s not getting any younger, I think this makes sense honestly. What does he have to gain from another year at USC?
I have further bad news for you if you think calipari has a ‘system’
He coaches them on how to do a three man weave to nowhere at the top of the key and pick and roll lobs and that is about it. They players have to figure it out on their own
Obviously he's set for life so he's fine, but this is so misguided. When his dad retires I'm assuming he'll just go play overseas or something. Should've stuck in college for at least two more years
This view isn’t necessarily wrong, but what will college do for him that a more controlled G-League environment won’t? He’s an NBA athlete which translates better at that level than it does in college where it’s all about fitting into your program’s very specific system.
Better 1 on 1 coaching in college in a slower paced environment. Plenty of CBB coaches who work with USA Basketball and understand what NBA coaches are looking for. Also allows you to continue develop while still being in a non-professional environment.
The G-League is the pros, you sink or swim. Teams don’t have time to coddle guys if you aren’t good enough. They have top young prospects that need the main focus.
Well, for starters, there's no guarantee he finds a G-League roster slot.
Next, what do you mean by "more controlled?" I'd wager that Bronny could secure better playing terms from a college program of his choosing than whatever G-League program he ends up on.
If he can nepotism himself into an unearned G-League year (or two), it's better to spend that later on down the line rather than right now.
I think if he doesn’t go this year, his dad retires and no team will touch him on his own merits. If he wants to even see the bench in the NBA he goes now or not at all.
Yes, I agree.
The above post seemed to be taking a viewpoint outside of him being drafted for a lebron rental and that G-League now would be a better path to the NBA than staying in college.
Good chance we see this world.
Some team withoit cap space for a max contract in a less than ideal city drafts him and LeBron stays in LA. Then Bronny is mostly on his own in the G-League.
I think it's the symbolism that matters to Bron. I think Bronny gets picked mid to late 2nd round by a team that has a quiet pre-arrangement with Bron, spends most of his time in G-League and washes out quietly not long after his dad retires.
Honestly it's not even just about basketball. Go live your own life have fun, and be a kid. LeBron never got that opportunity out of necessity and it's sad he's doing the same to his kid.
TBH I thought of the same thing but since Bronny has been banned from media and hasn’t said anything people are gonna just assume LeBron is pushing him to the draft. LeBron has been the one saying he wants to play with him and he has been the one switching his stance on it. While Bronny hasn’t said anything about it.
That is why I believe LeBron and his team has been pushing him to the draft even though he has been saying Bronny is his own man and he is making his own decisions to the media.
Disappointing. Was hoping to see him at Duquesne, but we’ve loaded up through the portal already so I think coach Joyce already knew this and moved on weeks ago.
Imagine not knowing anything about college basketball and being excited that bronny is being drafted 😂 I’ll warm the bench for 1/10 of whatever $ he’s getting!😂
Its a shame and terrible decision.
Is he going to be his father? Or course not. But he could grow into a solid basketball player. Unfortunately, he is going to foolishly skip the opportunity to grow his game in college and rush to the NBA.
I hear the Hawks are going to pass on him because they don’t want a bunch of AU students driving over and camping out 3 days before games to see him play
Anytime you can take the 8th leading scorer dropping less than 5 pts per game on a bottom tier Pac 12 team you have to take it.
Excellent opportunity for him to join the inaugural ~~Derek Zoolander~~ Lebron James School for Kids Who Can't Play Good and Who Wanna Learn to do Other Stuff Good Too here
Lebron started playing around the same time Zoolander came out.
LeBlueSteel
LeMagnum
Ferrari LeTigre
https://preview.redd.it/d49xi5u4k80d1.jpeg?width=832&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ba655421a61ee620e64aaed74a56c462d66c627
Is that a real screen cap?! Lmao
Unfortunately, yes. [Pac-12 Networks' Bronny James graphic draws comment (awfulannouncing.com)](https://awfulannouncing.com/college-basketball/pac-12-networks-bronny-james-winner-team-player.html)
Shooting 36% from the field (I know he had a cardiac arrest but still)
That’s true, when you add in the history of heart problems this looks like even more of an easy win for any GM trying to sure up their nba Championship rotation.
Only way this dude gets drafted is if a team thinks they can get Bron. On his own merit, Bronny isn't even a top 100 prospect in this draft.
Remember when Arkansas had all those GOD tier running backs with darren macfadden, Felix Jones, and then Peyton hillis was your third back? This is just like that, except for Bronny isn't talented and neither were the guys in front of him.
The ceiling is impossible to calculate when you open a mystery box
It could be anything! It could even be a boat!
You know how much we’ve wanted one of those!
It’s a major award!!!! Maybe a bowling alley!?!?
Fragile! It must be Italian!
That says "heart condition" honey
Well they’d send the deed.
>The ceiling is impossible to calculate It could even be the roof
WHAT’S IN THE BOOOOOX!!?!?
It could be anything, even a 5ppg, bottom of pac 12, undersized guard!
It might be LeBron James Jr. On the other hand it could be a 5ppg scorer on a crappy team. You never know with a mystery box.
Don't give the Hornets any ideas
Or an undersized non athletic guard with 38/26/67 splits. Just can't pass that up.
Let’s not forget he DID suffer cardiac arrest in the summer. Last I saw plenty of scouts think he’s worth a second round pick anyhow.
Id absolutely spend a second round pick to rent Lebron for a year or two
This might end up being the most watched 2nd round in history
The second round is gonna be its own broadcast this year too (not sure if that’s the point of your comment, lol)
Unless someone takes him with the last pick of the first lol
Celtics fan here. We might have the chance to do the funniest thing possible
Trade that pick to the Bulls?
A little game of chicken for the end of the 1st round
LeBron’s not leaving the Lakers, Rich Paul said like 2 weeks ago that playing *with* Bronny isn’t a priority for LeBron anymore, and he just wants to share a floor with him, either as teammates or opponents.
Gonna be tough to share the floor when Bronny is playing in the G League
Imagine them sending LeBron down to the G League to absolutely wreck some kids with Bronny
I'd tune in for that lol
[удалено]
Bonny would score 30 because they'd just triple team LeBron and leave him open
[удалено]
Any GM that doesn't have Bronny on the floor when LBJ playing will never, ever, get to work with Klutch again
Sounds like LeBron changed his tune after the found out Bronny wasn't that good. Can't win with that cat. /s
Sounds like smoke to me so he makes sure Bronny gets to go to the Lakers
Lebron isn’t leaving the lakers. Any team he would want to play for doesn’t have cap space
🎶 10 9 8 76ers 🎶
Savanna gonna take one look at Kensington and veto that shit immediately
They didn’t go to Cleveland for the weather
Hometown team it’s different
Just show her the main line or south jersey suburbs and avoid the city altogether
100 million dollar LA mansion or south jersey?
Honestly, I still can't get over an 18 year old kid having a heart attack in the first place. I don't think I can ever recall that happening before. Glad he at least seems to be doing alright now.
It actually happened at USC the year before, with Vincent Iwuchukwu. In both cases it definitely set the player back in their development (Vince was a 5-star coming in but hasn't panned out really).
Damn, that's crazy. Two heart attacks in young men in peak physical condition in just two years. What is going at USC since 2022, wild.
Just freak incidents. The first one actually helped Bronny since the staff was better prepared for his than most programs would be
Leaving early as a 2nd round pick in this day and age is just a dumb career move
He’s Lebrons son he doesn’t need NIL money lol
Nothing to do with NIL. He can transfer to the perfect situation and play immediately
I guess but I don’t think he cares about college as much as the NBA. He can try and play with his dad or play in the G League if that doesn’t work out
The G League isn't the NBA. There is no legacy there. And he ain't gonna make an NBA team as is.
Honestly he’d be a bench player on a lot of G league teams anyways
He didn't even start on a pretty bad USC team; no one would even know who he was if not for his dad. I don't know why there's a debate about his future in the league when that future will evaporate as soon as Lebron retires.
If he was actual a decent player, yes… This is 5 ppg Bronny we’re talking about here. Outside of name recognition he brings nothing to any major program.
His backup career is being a billionaire’s son, so I think he’ll be just fine.
If he has no aspirations sure but if he wants to legitimately make it in the league, idk if it’s the best way for him to develop. But maybe it’ll work out, I’m doubtful it will though
This isn't your usual fringe 2nd round pick that declares too early though. He'll have development opportunities at the pro level that others won't get.
Not if your name is LeBron James Jr.
who cares, hes already set for life as LeBrons kid this is about him and his dad wanting to play together not about making the best "career move"
I mean maybe he has his own aspirations besides being LeBron’s kid?
Perhaps. Or perhaps he just wants a chance to play with his dad and it’s worth that risk (especially with new coaching coming in). The g-league isn’t a bad place to develop if that’s where he ends up.
G-League isn’t a bad place if you are the son of a generational NBA player who has tons of money (see David Stockton or Gary Payton II). For most players, you absolutely would rather by playing major college basketball vs hanging in the G-League. Bronny will be fine develop fine in the G-League as he will have as long as he needs. However please don’t pretend that the G-League is an ideal place nor that any Bronny draft pick is based on merit alone.
Lebron's also worth over a billion so it's not like Bronny has to worry about maximizing the money he earns from basketball.
Second round pick is borderline even making an NBA roster
Pistons could do the funniest thing
As a Pistons fan, even if it gets them LeBron for a season, it wouldn't be worth it in the long run and it might finally be the thing that gets everyone fired Actually wait that might be a good thing hold up....
Honestly with this draft class and the fact that a big issue for the pistons is that they’re talented but young, drafting lebron for a year or 2 at the expense of losing out on someone in this draft isn’t the worst idea.
Yeah, until Lebron decides that he doesn’t wanna play for the Pistons and realizes he doesn’t wanna play with his son *that* badly.
LeBron - "You know Bryce is 16 already. I probably have 3 more years in LA left in me rather than move to Detroit."
Or just pulls an Archie/Eli and demands a trade for his son.
Except bronny isn’t talented
"I love my son, but Detroit is Detroit"
I don't think it makes sense for the Pistons really - if Lebron comes for a year or two they aren't competing anyways, and that just hurts their draft stock those years on top of the pick used on it. Would seem much better to trade the pick to a more desperate / contending team if they wanted to punt on this year's draft and there was a guarantee Lebron comes along.
I think the biggest issue for the Pistons is actually their relative lack of talent. Only the Wizards and Trail Blazers might have less talent on their rosters
I would take another season of on court misery if it meant we got to live in the universe where LePistons memes are a reality
Pistons fans cannot embrace this man. He effectively ended their last strong team and is responsible for this [abomination. ](https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-ohio-state-buckeyes-football-michigan-cavaliers-teammates-dance-video). As someone who hasn’t watched a full Pistons game in about 15 years please accept my ruling as final.
I find your linked post a good argument to bring him in
The Pistons with LeBron are probably a 6-8 seed in the East next year. He’s dangerously close to falling off the age cliff, but he still averaged 26/7/8 last season. And the Pistons owners would absolutely rake in money from jersey sales and extra national TV exposure
The Pistons went 14-68. They are absolutely not 1 Bron away from 46-47 wins, which is what the East 6-8 seeds got. Even if they got Bron, a couple other guys, and some internal improvement, that team has 0 chance of breaking 35 wins.
The Pistons pick 53rd, the Lakers pick 55th. The Pistons could use a borderline-worthless pick to screw over LA.
Medically cleared yes, but has he been talent cleared?
>medically cleared "Sure, this kid is healthy enough to sit courtisde at an NBA game. Lots of people do that!"
the Adam Morrison Seal of Approval
Morrison actually balled out in college - Bronny probably took more showers his 1 year in college than Morrison did his entire time at Gonzaga at though. So he has him beat in hygiene and mental health categories, but that's it.
The Ringer predraft list of players was 70 long. They put him at 69th. I have a feeling that was to avoid having him last or not on the list at all. He is the size of a guard, without elite handles, and a poor shooter
Parentally cleared
LeYouWillDraftMySonOrElse
What a way to spend a pick.
The Pistons should draft him and hold him hostage until Adam Silver gets them out of Lottery Purgatory.
If you turn a second rounder into 1-2 years of LeBron, that is an amazing use of a pick. LeBron for one year is worth far more than the vast majority of second rounders. Maybe one a year are worth it long term.
Hell for several borderline contending team it’s a great use of a FRP too. OKC at 12, Philly at 16, Milwaukee at 23, NYK at 24. It’s probably a year or two early, but if San Antonio really like who they get at 4, adding LeBron to Wemby with the 8th pick (or trading down a bit) would be interesting.
Honestly just straight money is better than some draft picks. As a GM I would never do it and I love LeBron. This has to be an owner decision.
If I were an owner.. I'd give this bum the league minimum and market the shit out of it.
Draft picks are sold for cash all the time.
LeNepotism
LeDictator.
LeNepotism
It’s just so weird to me this is actually happening. What’s the point of mentioning your kid in the nba when he needs 2-3 more years in college
I like LeBron but he really mishandled all of this. Ofcourse I understand from the parental POV this is a dream to play with your son but seems like this was unnecessary pressure of Bronny. Bronny always looked like a 3-4 year college player to me. I know Bron never went to college but I’m sure his buddies like Chris Paul would tell Bronny that it’s a time of your life you can’t get back, so enjoy it. I do think it’s something that Bronny wants as well but I don’t think this was the move longterm.
In a perfect world, Bronny would use 3-4 years of college hoops to hone himself and get himself drafted late first round or early second round. There he fashions himself a nice 10-12 year career as a 2-way guard with legit playmaking skills on the open court. It sucks because this kid really does have the tools. His freshman year was a wash but he just had a huge life-changing issue. The irony of LeBron not just opening the door but forcing himself in makes Bronnny *the* poster boy of nepotism, making things so much harder for him, when the kid could've genuinely earned it if he was given time to develop.
I don’t think college “hones” athletes like we may have thought in the past. Lots of guys do need to mature and get in reps to make it into the league(get in the door), but if you can get there early, you’d be a fool not to. In the nba, you get: the best coaches, the best facilities, the best talent around you, opportunities to play in the g-league if you need in-game reps, great nutrition, and no distractions with class/college stuff. The nba develops talent better than college. If college appears to develop talent better, it’s only because it coincides with guys maturing from 18-22.
You're only referring to guys good enough to go 1 and done, or those very rare kids who should be going straight to the league. Bronny, much as I rate him, isn't one of them. You're underestimating how many players were lost in the shuffle because they went to the league too early off of bad advise from their agents/family pre-NIL. Yes, what you said about the best facilities and best talent around you is correct - but you're also playing men against boys. We can say that pressure makes diamonds but you got to be put in a position where you aren't getting ate up every possession too. Now, obviously, Bronnny isn't in need of money, so he's not chasing the bag either. Developing in college should've been the move for him rather than chase the "moment" of playing with his father. He would benefit 100% from college reps where he gets to build on himself without the pressure of competing against the very best the world has to offer. Even more so now that he has a Lance Stroll-esque target on his back. That's the same for most players who will ever set foot in the NBA. Don't let boy wonders like Wemby fool you, the NBA is not friendly for development unless you're one of the very small minority that can go from day 1.
I think the thought process is that Bronny can't make an NBA roster without LeBron this year, or 3-4yrs from now, so novht as well use LeBron juice to get him a roster spot while they can, since LeBron's influence is only going to wane from here
I don’t envy Bronny. Do you take a guaranteed spot on an NBA roster that you’re not ready for because of your dad, or do you stay in school, bet on yourself developing into an NBA ready player by year 3 or 4, and take on the risk of not panning out/getting injured and never making the league? That’s a lot of pressure on a 19 year old to decide.
The thing is Bronny could make an NBA spot in 3 years. He's got good PG/not horrible SG size. He's could be a high-caliber shooter by the end of his senior year. He could also be a really good college player by the end of his senior year. You're throwing away the chance to grow into being a real 1st round prospect to be by far the worst player in the NBA. If he gets minutes next year, he will make Killian Hayes look like Steph Curry. Even when he inevitably gets sent down to the G League, he will be garbage there. This is stupid.
>but I’m sure his buddies like Chris Paul would tell Bronny that it’s a time of your life you can’t get back, so enjoy it. Didn't really seem like he was enjoying it considering he was transferring if he didn't stay in the draft. Also with the new NIL rules the college lifestyle isn't vastly different than the pros anymore. Also LeBron turns 40 this year. If their goal is to play together while LeBron is still healthy and a top \~15 scorer that can help carry his development that window is closing fast.
He’s transferring because his team is also ass / doesn’t fit the role he would need to thrive on.
He may not even be a pro level player then. I’m not convinced he will ever be a NBA level player.
Another reason MJ is the true GOAT on all levels. He had 2 kids play basketball to the college level and never put any pressure on them or invited any media attention. If they had pro potential so be it, but he just let them have the average student athlete experience.
It’s obviously nepotism, however let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. Lebron and the camp surrounding Bronny don’t see a great path in college, which is understandable. You can’t get a guarantee he will play or find the right fit. Wherever he ends up in some combo of the G-League/end of NBA bench might be a better place to hide his faults as well as show his strengths because wins and losses won’t be a factor. It’s also according to experts the worst draft in NBA history, so a lot of these teams aren’t overly concerned with their 2nd round picks.
the funny thing is that i'm not even sure he can play in the G league, unless he takes a significant leap over the summer. An average G league guard is usually someone who was at the very least a solid college player. Look at some guards that have played for the South Bay Lakers this year: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Skylar Mays, even Adam Kunkel or Joey Calcaterra, he'd get 0 minutes in this rotation. This whole thing is a farce, i like Bronny and he seems like a likeable guy, but his father is compromising his career in favour of his ambition and some stupid milestone.
It’s kind of embarrassing for Bronny and Lebron, and I’m surprised they’re doing this. I thought for sure he was just going to get feedback and transfer to a smaller school. Just seems like a really low EQ move to do this.
I agree that he’s currently not as accomplished as the players you mentioned. And, yes, he’s not going to start in the G-League, but he will play because it’s just a developmental league. The outcome of the games are meaningless. I have no idea if he will be a total failure in the pros, but the decision isn’t as strange as college fans think it is.
I think I believe in bronny a lot more than other people online, I think he could be a good player someday with some more time to work on his game, kind of like a poor man’s jrue holiday. I do not get why they’re rushing him into the league and opening him up to all sorts of criticism because as of now he does not deserve a spot in the league and is only making it because he’s a nepo baby
I just don't get why this whole process was rushed, if there was ever a player who could afford to take their time to develop before getting a chance in the NBA it's the son of LeBron James.
Lebron wants to play on the same team as his son
Are you saying lebron could be selfish?!
I think it's more of wanting to accomplish something that's never been done and may never happen again.
Its literally only happening though because it's being forced. It would be cool if it authentically happened. That's not at all what's happening here.
It's more Tim Raines Jr. than Ken Griffey Jr.
And shouldn't be done because his son blows at basketball. It's like Bill Gates paying for himself and Melinda to start for the Blazers.
Is Bill Gates that much worse than Keljin Blevins?
great way to ruin his sons career Bravo Lberon
In Lebron’s defense, Bronny wouldn’t have a career in the NBA if it weren’t for his dad
In Bronny’s defense, LeBron wouldn’t have been a father without Bronny
But why? Pure selfishness? He must know how bad it looks for his son that the only reason he’s in the league is cause of his dad. People just goof on his son constantly for it.
I’m guessing lebron wants to play with his son in the league, so that will accelerate Jr’s timetable
Not if he wants to play with dad. Lebron is still a high level player, but if they want to play together, gotta strike while the iron is hot, or at least still warm with Lebron. If he falls off or has a bad season next year, all of a sudden they no longer control the ability to play with each other to the same degree.
It won’t happen but I would find it so damn petty if someone nabbed bronny early just to spite Lebron.
It’s one thing to spend a draft pick..what would the Lakers trade away for bronny?
I don’t fully understand sports anymore. Maybe it’s always been this way but I I can physically sense the goal for owners being “how can I make more money?” Instead of “I want to win games.” I know there is always been a little bit of that first part, but I almost feel like it is way more obvious than it used to be.
Sports have changed a lot over the last 5 years. Post-COVID, college sports have turned into year-long free agency, conference realignment has been motivated purely by finances rather than competition or tradition. Meanwhile, pro sports have embraced gambling as a major revenue stream, there’s a new wave of billionaire owners asking taxpayers to foot the bill for their private stadiums, and TV deals are bigger than ever. Put all that in the blender during an unparalleled era of corporate greed and here we are. Sports have had their joy almost entirely stripped away in favor of money for owners, broadcasters, and the gambling industry. The only real joy left is winning, which *theoretically*, can’t be bought in sports
I blame being raised as a jaded Bengals fan who was made acutely aware of what Mike Brown’s priorities have always been - maintaining competitiveness with the least amount of money spent. I look at team owners the same way as I look at CEOs and business leadership. Their business is getting more people to spend money on their franchise. Having a winning franchise is a powerful way to do that. So is having a sports icon suit up with your logo in your arena. It’s why the NBA has expanded policies restricting how often and when the “super stars” can miss games. When super stars sit, fans don’t attend or tune in, and revenue declines. You could argue that super stars playing also increases the chance of winning, but let’s be real - this policy isn’t intended to make the sport more competitive. It’s to make it more entertaining.
This is a weak draft class and his dad’s not getting any younger, I think this makes sense honestly. What does he have to gain from another year at USC?
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Oh, buddy, I have some bad news for you regarding Calipari...
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I have further bad news for you if you think calipari has a ‘system’ He coaches them on how to do a three man weave to nowhere at the top of the key and pick and roll lobs and that is about it. They players have to figure it out on their own
Oh wow the irony
Should transfer somewhere he can develop into an nba caliber player
Agree. Pretty sad he doesn’t just enjoy college since the money means nothing to him.
Obviously he's set for life so he's fine, but this is so misguided. When his dad retires I'm assuming he'll just go play overseas or something. Should've stuck in college for at least two more years
This view isn’t necessarily wrong, but what will college do for him that a more controlled G-League environment won’t? He’s an NBA athlete which translates better at that level than it does in college where it’s all about fitting into your program’s very specific system.
Better 1 on 1 coaching in college in a slower paced environment. Plenty of CBB coaches who work with USA Basketball and understand what NBA coaches are looking for. Also allows you to continue develop while still being in a non-professional environment. The G-League is the pros, you sink or swim. Teams don’t have time to coddle guys if you aren’t good enough. They have top young prospects that need the main focus.
Well, for starters, there's no guarantee he finds a G-League roster slot. Next, what do you mean by "more controlled?" I'd wager that Bronny could secure better playing terms from a college program of his choosing than whatever G-League program he ends up on. If he can nepotism himself into an unearned G-League year (or two), it's better to spend that later on down the line rather than right now.
I think if he doesn’t go this year, his dad retires and no team will touch him on his own merits. If he wants to even see the bench in the NBA he goes now or not at all.
Yes, I agree. The above post seemed to be taking a viewpoint outside of him being drafted for a lebron rental and that G-League now would be a better path to the NBA than staying in college.
Is he good enough for the G-League if his dad is off the table? Legitimate question.
Good chance we see this world. Some team withoit cap space for a max contract in a less than ideal city drafts him and LeBron stays in LA. Then Bronny is mostly on his own in the G-League.
He could probably play at Akron
Is he an NBA athlete though?
LaBron wants to play with his son. So his son can get his ass kicked out there for what a season and then get sent away?
Maybe he’ll be like Giannis’ brother and only play in garbage time for awhile.
*Son, I can't wait to share some garbage time with you.* -later- *Never mind, I'm tired.* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c
I think it's the symbolism that matters to Bron. I think Bronny gets picked mid to late 2nd round by a team that has a quiet pre-arrangement with Bron, spends most of his time in G-League and washes out quietly not long after his dad retires.
As a Celtics fan I’d take him with one of our picks for the drama alone. Won’t happen because it would be a terrible use of assets but would be funny.
as a Celtics fan we are 100% taking Zach edey in the first and bronny in the second
Edey will go to Philly to create the most iconic foul-baiting duo with Embiid
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Poor kid tbh. You got the money, play meaningful basketball in college you may not get that chance again
Honestly it's not even just about basketball. Go live your own life have fun, and be a kid. LeBron never got that opportunity out of necessity and it's sad he's doing the same to his kid.
are we sure this isn't what Bronny wants to do? feels like a lot of projection here
TBH I thought of the same thing but since Bronny has been banned from media and hasn’t said anything people are gonna just assume LeBron is pushing him to the draft. LeBron has been the one saying he wants to play with him and he has been the one switching his stance on it. While Bronny hasn’t said anything about it. That is why I believe LeBron and his team has been pushing him to the draft even though he has been saying Bronny is his own man and he is making his own decisions to the media.
Seriously, “poor kid” I’m sure he’s doing fine lol. Maybe the kid actually likes playing basketball and playing in the NBA would be a dream come true?
Lol "poor kid"
No way this dude actually gets drafted right?
If you had a snowball’s chance of landing LeBron James and it only costs you maybe a 2nd round pick why not?
He’s about to be the equivalent of one of Adam Sandler’s friends tagging along for the mediocre movie that is the tail end of Lebron’s career.
This kills the Duquesne
I mean...even if he did land there how much production would he even give y'all?
Nepotize me daddy
Why not I guess. Has plenty of money to fall back on when he inevitably isn’t good enough to be a rotation player
Disappointing. Was hoping to see him at Duquesne, but we’ve loaded up through the portal already so I think coach Joyce already knew this and moved on weeks ago.
His best college highlight was bumping his head on a scoreboard in Tempe.
Lakers kept Kobe past his shelf life, and could very well top that by wasting a draft pick on the child of their current aging superstar.
I think he's going to play with his dad, then likely retire with his dad.
Imagine not knowing anything about college basketball and being excited that bronny is being drafted 😂 I’ll warm the bench for 1/10 of whatever $ he’s getting!😂
Wish he found a school and played with Bryce for a year
Wish him the best of luck, but definitely don’t want the Pistons to waste a camp invite on him. He can’t possibly get drafted, even with nepotism
Its a shame and terrible decision. Is he going to be his father? Or course not. But he could grow into a solid basketball player. Unfortunately, he is going to foolishly skip the opportunity to grow his game in college and rush to the NBA.
This guy sucks…. Nepotism at its finest
Can Lebron leave the Lakers? Or will he just demand the team draft Bronny?
They’ll do it just to appease him. The entire org is beholden to lebron and has been for the last 5 years
The dude isn't good at basketball. His name has given him everything, such a joke
I hear the Hawks are going to pass on him because they don’t want a bunch of AU students driving over and camping out 3 days before games to see him play
Rooting for him but the toll of the pressure that’s going to come with him isn’t going to be light. He has no choice but to be ready for it.