Despite being the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Bronny James' selection by the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked controversy due to his father's influence. However, brothers Cody and Jalen Williams believe that both father and son deserve to be in the league.
As the 2024 NBA Draft unfolded, Bronny James' lifelong dream came to fruition as he heard his name called as the 55th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the circumstances surrounding his selection have cast a shadow over the moment, with critics alleging nepotism and a power trip.
Undeterred by the negativity, two brothers who are destined to face off against each other in the NBA, Cody and Jalen Williams, have come to the defense of Bronny James and his father, LeBron James.
LeBron James and Son Bronny Make NBA History, Facing Criticism and Support
"I think there's gonna be negativity regardless of who you are," said Cody Williams, a rising star for the Los Angeles Lakers. "There's always going to be trolls on the internet trying to take you down no matter what."
Williams insists that both LeBron and Bronny James have earned their spots in the league based on their talent alone, dismissing the notion that nepotism played a role in Bronny's selection.
LeBron James and Son Bronny Make NBA History, Facing Criticism and Support
"People are still gonna try to do whatever to tear him down," Williams continued. "I think it's just an incredible moment – a son and a dad are both talented enough to play in the best league in the world. It's not like you get there because you suck."
Cody's older brother, Jalen Williams, echoed his brother's sentiments, expressing bewilderment at the criticism directed towards the father-son duo.
LeBron James and Son Bronny Make NBA History, Facing Criticism and Support
"I think that's one of those things where that'll be really cool to do," Jalen said. "People don't take it for what it is. Bron, playing for as long as he has, playing up until August almost every year, to do that for 20-plus years and wait out until his son gets the opportunity to play on the same exact team as him, I think people downplay that, and that's just the nature of our sport."
Jalen further emphasized the historical significance of the father-son duo making it to the NBA together, arguing that it is a testament to LeBron's exceptional career and Bronny's own talent.
"Just one of those things I can't help but to admire," Jalen added.
Amidst the controversy, Bronny James has shown glimpses of his potential in the NBA Summer League, averaging 8.8 points per game in four appearances.
Despite the criticism, it remains to be seen whether Bronny James will be able to live up to the immense expectations that come with being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Only time will tell whether the father-son duo will be able to silence the critics and prove that their NBA journey is not merely a result of nepotism.
