NBA Journeyman Calls Lakers Drafting Bronny An 'Abuse of Power' By LeBron James
NBA journeyman Steven Hunter had sharp words for the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to draft Bronny James.
The worst-kept secret heading into the 2024 NBA Draft was the Lakers' interest in Bronny to put him on the same roster as his father, Lebron James.
Not everyone agreed with LeBron's influence on the Lakers' front office, primarily based on Bronny's disappointing draft profile. Lakers fans are debating whether LeBron's recent decisions are hurting the team's prospects for success. The Lakers brass stuck to their plan, drafting Bronny with the 55th overall pick, and the nepotism chatter erupted.
Steven Hunter, who jumped around the NBA from 2001 to 2010, started trending on Wednesday after posting a scathing message about Bronny's drafting.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Bronny James at Crypto.com Arena on May 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Hunter boldly declared that Bronny's spot on the Lakers roster — coupled with a fully guaranteed, multiyear rookie contract signed by Bronny — has been awarded rather than earned. The former player called out LeBron and Rich Paul for stealing an opportunity from a college prospect with a stronger body of work. Hunter noted that he's not upset at Bronny but instead calling out those influencing his introduction to the NBA.
"For those that don't know... Late second round picks don't get guarantees (especially before summer league )," Hunter posted.
Bronny averaged under five points per game in his one season at USC and posted underwhelming size at the NBA Draft Combine, measuring 6-foot-1.
Hunter's rant continued, calling out LeBron's "abuse of power."
"Typically late second round picks don't get 4 year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn't earned, I'm sorry... And it's an egregious abuse of power from LBJ [LeBron James] & Rich Paul. It's a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their a**es off to get to the league. It's sneaky hollywood s**t like this that turns a lot of people off about Lebron. …
"This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like'em. This is why most people prefer MJ [Michael Jordan] or Kobe over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe gone be straight shooters... Trust me MJ could've gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that...
"But he didn't because MJ stands on earned not given and he would've never gave his son a sense of entitlement which is what Lebron James just did with Bronny... Not taking anything away from Bronny nor am I upset at Bronny... Just know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it truly takes to get there."
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 28: Bronny James #6 of the West team talks to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2023 McDonald's High School Boys All-American Game at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Hunter was drafted 15th overall by the Orlando Magic and played for five NBA teams. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds throughout his career.
Hunter feels increasingly exasperated as the NBA media continues to overly focus on the James family saga.
Despite a dire need to develop his game, Bronny James will be the rookie facing the highest expectations this season, and those expectations are also courtesy of LeBron.
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