Of all the explosive claims made by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes in his report detailing the relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, the most damning was the implication that the franchise did a favor for “The King” by drafting his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 draft.
“….When the Lakers drafted James’ son Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Jeanie [Buss] privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt that he wasn’t, people close to the team told ESPN,” Holmes wrote.
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has called out Lakers governor Jeanie Buss for allegedly taking issue with James for being “ungrateful” for drafting Bronny.
‘Is He Supposed to Bow Down’?
On the “Draymond Green Show,” the defensive ace acknowledged that the Lakers likely drafted Bronny to appease LeBron James, but feels such transactions are a part of the business and that nepotism is a daily occurrence in the NBA.
“…Felt LeBron was not grateful to the Lakers drafting Bronny? Do you bow down, and, like, kiss the ring, and say ‘thank you’?” Green asked.
“I’ve seen ‘Bron speak out about how he’s appreciative of the organization for giving Bronny a chance. But also, Bronny did do some work. Bronny worked to become who he’s become as well. It’s not like this wasn’t a top recruit [coming out of high school] and didn’t play at a top college.
“Give Bronny some credit as well.”
LeBron James Reacts to Claims
Green highlighted that nepotism runs rampant in the NBA, noting how the sons of general managers and owners have previously secured front-office positions without any prior experience. As such, he felt James had “put in the work” to reap the rewards.
“That’s just the reality — that’s the world we live in,” Green said of nepotism.
Bronny James hasn’t necessarily panned out as an NBA-level pro since landing with the Lakers a few years ago. In 51 appearances, Bronny has averaged 1.9 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists on mediocre shooting splits of 31/30/81. While he has flashed defensive potential, Bronny’s overall game has not impressed scouts and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, LeBron James had a strong reaction to ESPN’s bombshell report after his team suffered a 112-104 loss to the LA Clippers on Thursday night.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest,” he said, via Dave McMenamin.
“Since I’ve been here, my eighth year here [in L.A.], been in this league 23 years, there’s [always going to] be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.
“At the end of the day, when I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence. The things that I saw growing up with the Lakers — obviously, I didn’t get an opportunity to watch the Showtime [era], but I know the history. Then the early 2000s with Shaq [O’Neal] and Kobe [Bryant], and then what Kobe did and those couple runs with him and Pau [Gasol]. So, my whole mindset was like, how can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization?
“… I was able to do that along with, you know, 14, 16 other guys winning the championship, bringing the championship here. That’s always been my mindset.”
It’s hard to argue with James’ claim about “restoring excellence” to the Lakers. Before he arrived in 2019, the Lakers had missed the playoffs for six years in a row. In just his second season, James helped the Lakers raise Banner No. 17.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post LeBron James ‘Ungrateful’ for Lakers Drafting Bronny? Draymond Reacts appeared first on Heavy Sports.