The new 2024-25 NBA season will kickstart in a few weeks. Interestingly, all eyes will be on the Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James. James Jr. is approaching an unexplored terrain as he will be the first NBA player to play on the court with his father, and the pressure will be intense. Former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has shown support for James Jr. before his rookie season debut.
O’Neal has always been supportive of youngsters coming into their rookie season and James Jr. is no different. The NBA legend emphasized the fact that Bronny James will always have a lot of pressure on him due to his ‘last name’, while speaking on the OGs Podcast. O’Neal also made his stance clear regarding the ‘nepotism talk.’
Lil Bronny is my nephew. I’m happy for him. I wish him well. I know his work ethic…I want Bronny to be happy, I hate the storyline, I hate the nepotism talk so it doesn’t matter because he’s in and I want him to be happy.
Shaquille O’Neal said
During his first year at USC, James experienced a cardiac arrest. Due to this, the guard was sidelined for five months before making his collegiate debut.
However, he was unable to secure his footing. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 36% from the field. Now, it will be interesting to watch how Bronny James performs in the upcoming 204-254 NBA season.
Not the first time ‘Uncle Shaq’ defended Bronny James
This is not the first time Shaquille O’Neal has backed Bronny James. Before the 2024 NBA Draft, there was debate about James Jr.’s validity as an NBA player. However, O’Neal put all that to rest as he came in support of James Jr., stating that he has his back and also advised the youngster to ‘keep playing hard’ and cut out all the negativity surrounding him.
Keep playing hard, Bronny, Uncle Shaq loves you.
Shaquille O’Neal said in an interview with TMZ
Narratives circulated that Bronny James was only given an opportunity to the NBA since his father is LeBron James. However, James Sr. once himself stated that his son ‘does not care’ regarding the noise that is surrounding him.
Bronny James isn’t projected to average 20 points each game from the start. Expectations are solely based on what is written on the back of his jersey. However, the backing from O’Neal and his father demonstrates that he has a strong support system to fall back on. Nevertheless, fans believe Bronny will do just fine if he keeps his head down and works hard to his potential.
