JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers introduced this year’s draft class, including Bronny James, at a press conference Tuesday.
Redick was predictably complimentary of James, the Lakers’ second-round pick, insisting that the former USC guard earned his place with the organization rather than relying on his famous father.
“Bronny has earned this through hard work. Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny has earned this through hard work,” Redick said, later adding that “there’s a lot to like about his game.”
As well-meaning as these comments might have been, no one is buying into what Redick is claiming here.
“JJ Redick The Greatest Liar I’ve Seen…” one person said.
“Ok JJ I was hyped that you got hired but just stop, he didn’t earn anything his father didn’t give him already through connections,” a second person added.
“Lmao let me go see if any 55th pick in history get this type of press conference/ media attention,” a third person said.
“I didn’t know LeBron’s nickname was ‘hard work,'” joked another commenter.
“He averaged 4 PPG in college & couldn’t even start on a bad basketball team. There’s absolutely nothing to like about his game except for his last name,” a fifth person chimed in. “And no, I do not disagree with the Lakers drafting him b/c of LeBron, but let’s be honest here. Don’t paint a picture that’s not there.”
Of course, some might say that Redick, like Bronny, got his spot with the Lakers through LeBron’s influence rather than on merit.
Both have plenty to prove, even if Redick insists he doesn’t.
Related: Report: Lakers Have Made Decision On Bronny James’ Contract