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In the days since the Los Angeles Lakers took Bronny James in the second round of the NBA Draft to pair him with his father LeBron James, both Bronny and LeBron have taken endless criticism. That hasn’t sat too well with NBA legend and analyst Shaquille O’Neal.
On the latest episode of The Big Podcast, Shaq admonished people for criticizing Bronny so much, pointing out that he’s still a kid who wants the chance to play. Shaq said that he wants to see Bronny get the chance to play and play well but finds the criticism excessive and unnecessary.
“I would like the scrutiny to get off Bronny James,” Shaq said. “My nephew. He’s a kid. Great kid. All he wants to do is play. It’s unfortunate for kids that have to live up to what we have done. I hope he was the opportunity to play well. I hope he has the opportunity to make a name for himself.
“I’m sitting watching all this [criticism]. All that stuff’s unnecessary.”
The criticism of Bronny has been endless and from a few surprising sources to boot. Just about everyone has accused LeBron James of nepotism and weakening the Lakers as a team in order to get something he wants.
But there’s another way to look at it. LeBron James has accomplished so much and done so many things for the NBA that he wants the league to reward him by giving him something he’s always wanted: The chance to play alongside his son.