Bronny James was picked 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. But James’ selection has been marred with claims of nepotism, seeing how Bronny’s father LeBron James has a lot of pull inside the Lakers organization. But former NBA star Gilbert Arenas thinks that the backlash against Bronny is a result of the insecurity of other fathers across the country.
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During the latest episode of ‘Vlad TV’, Gilbert Arenas was asked why people have so high expectations of Bronny despite being picked late in the second round. The former Washington Wizards star said that the intense scrutiny on Bronny is simply unwarranted.
Instead, the 42-year-old thought that the real issue lies with other grown adults, especially males who are hating on LBJ for getting his son a spot on the Lakers roster. Arenas said,
“If you’re a male, and you’re a father, and you’re mad. You’re more mad that this father did something for his son, that you didn’t do for yours. So it’s more your insecurity as a father than it is LeBron James.”
Arenas further substantiated his controversial take by highlighting how LeBron getting Bronny a Lakers roster spot is no different than owners of sports teams and businesses appointing their children to high-ranking positions in their organizations.
The three-time All-Star added, “So the fact that he [LeBron James] used his leverage to get his son on the team is a problem. Ahhh, the insecurity is right there.”
Arenas’ argument might be a little far-fetched this time considering how he tries to justify nepotism using examples of other morally questionable business practices. In fact, claiming that someone is insecure for pointing out nepotism in a system that should otherwise be based on merit is pretty bold.
However, Arenas is fair in pointing out that the criticism Bronny has faced is too dramatic. The 19-year-old hasn’t played a single NBA game and has already the world waiting to discount his accomplishments.
