LOS Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick insisted that Bronny James deserves to be drafted.
Some critics claim that James only got his big break because of his legendary father, LeBron.
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But new coach Redick responded to those claims after the younger James thanked his head coach and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka for everything they “gave” him.
“Rob and I didn’t give Bronny anything,” Redick said as he introduced the No. 55 draft pick, James, along with the No. 17 pick, Dalton Knecht.
“Bronny earned this. Bronny earned this through hard work.”
Bronny himself knows that the pressure will always be enormous playing for the Lakers.
But in this specific case, it will clearly increase due to LeBron’s exploits over the years.
“For sure, an increased amount of pressure,” Bronny said.
“I’ve seen it on social media and other things, on the internet and other things and talking about it maybe doesn’t deserve an opportunity.
“But I’ve been dealing with things like this my whole life.
“So it’s nothing different, but it’s more amplified, for sure. But I’ll get over it.”
The 19-year-old rookie had heart surgery last summer and says five months off affected his development.
“I feel like I could have improved my game more,” Bronny said.
“I feel like I had the opportunity to show what I can really do because I didn’t have much of an opportunity at SC.
“I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Redick confirmed that the former University of Southern California point guard will play in the California Classic tournament.
They will also participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins a few days later.
What does the new TV deal mean for the NBA?
By US Sun Assistant Sports Editor Damian Burchardt.
The new television rights deal promises to be a big win for NBA players.
The league is expected to more than double revenue from its media partners, pocketing around $6.9 billion per year, which will inevitably lead to a huge salary cap increase in 2025-26.
This will cause the value of players’ contracts to skyrocket.
Projected numbers suggest we could see the first $100 million per year deal being signed soon.
Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum is currently set to earn the highest single-season salary in NBA history, bringing in $71.5 million in 2029-30.
It seems like basketball fans would be on the losing side of the fight if the NBA and TNT actually split.
Inside the NBA is a unique sports entertainment program, as evidenced by ESPN’s continued failure to create its own version of the show in recent years.
The NBA won’t be the same without Kenny and Ernie trying to make sense of Shaq and Chuck’s endless fights every Tuesday night.
The San Francisco portion of the 2024 California Classic takes place July 6-10.
Los Angeles will face the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat.
Meanwhile, ESPN reported that LeBron, who is with the Lakers, is willing to take a pay cut of up to $20 million to play with his son.
Forward LeBron turns 40 at the end of this year.
He helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA title and established himself as one of the greatest players in league history.
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