Austin Reaves comments on Bronny James joining the Lakers

Many people have expressed skepticism about the Los Angeles Lakers taking Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, with the No. 55 pick in June’s NBA draft. Plenty feel it was a move that resulted from nothing more than nepotism, and some even feel the younger James doesn’t even belong in the NBA to begin with.

While he played poorly in his first several summer league games in July, he shot well in his final two contests. That, along with his solid athleticism, defensive intensity and positive attitude, has provided hope that perhaps he can become a rotation player.

Then there is the mere fact that the elder James will get to share an NBA court while on the same team as his son, which he has repeatedly said is a dream of his. Teammate Austin Reaves said it’s “special” for the two to have that opportunity.

On playing with LeBron and Bronny:

“For LeBron to just put himself in position to play with his son, it’s special. I know he will be motivated to play at his peak level. For me to be around them and to see what it’s going to be like, that’s going to be very cool for me.”

— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) August 3, 2024

If the younger James becomes a good player in the pros, it would silence a lot of the criticism that has been sent in the direction of him, his father and Rich Paul, the agent who represents both players.