Even before he’s logged a second of real NBA action, Bronny James has been placed under a microscope to start his professional career. The 55th pick of this year’s draft and son of LeBron James, Bronny’s reputation has been both built up and torn down by a wide audience. The disparaging remarks took a sharp turn recently, as an anonymous report claimed that James Jr. received “special treatment” at Summer League, which led to chemistry issues with the rest of the team.
One of Bronny’s teammates on that Summer League squad made his feelings known about that story in a recent interview.
Lakers Rookie Dispels Latest Criticism of Bronny James
Blake Hinson Speaks Up for Bronny
While appearing on the Lakers Nation Podcast, host Trevor Lane asked Lakers two-way rookie Blake Hinson whether the rumors of James’s treatment were true. In response, Hinson stood up for his teammate and denied that those issues ever occurred:
“No, I mean, where’s that at? I mean—honestly, you know, you know how it is. Stuff like that doesn’t really shock me, but we need to figure out if that’s even true. Because, to be totally honest with you, as far as his treatment, he’s just a normal guy. He just plays basketball, he really stays out the way. You know what I mean? He’s a cool dude. I don’t really understand how something like that came out. That’s nonsense to me.”
Lakers rookie Blake Hinson addressed the rumors about Bronny James on the @LakersNation pod with @_MatthewPeralta and I: pic.twitter.com/3R4IrNob9c
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 27, 2024
Following a rough start to his summer play in Sacramento and Las Vegas, James Jr. silenced some doubters with a string of great performances in two of the Lakers’ final three games. While in Vegas, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and one assist per game on 35% shooting from the field, 16% from three and 100% from the free-throw line.
Unwarranted Criticism
The report, which included quotes from a “Lakers insider,” is the latest in a long line of criticism towards Bronny. As James Jr. has proven time and again, he pays no mind to the pressure that surrounds him, even though he is clearly aware of it. As he said during his introductory press conference:
“For sure, [there’s an] amplified amount of pressure. I’ve already seen it—social media and stuff, the internet and stuff—talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But, you know, I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. It’s nothing different—it’s more amplified for sure—but I can get through it.”
Head coach JJ Redick has emphasized how Bronny has earned his shot in the league. He added that he sees James as a development player—in some ways dumbing down the lofty expectations others have placed on him.
“He’s certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time in the G League. As we sort of build out our player development program, he’s going to be an important part of that.”
While many will try to tear Bronny’s name down for a variety of reasons, he and the rest of the Lakers have shown that such hate will get nowhere. Having teammates like Hinson publicly supporting him only helps the cause. James Jr.’s attitude towards the pressure is a laudable one. He has effectively combated the critics by maintaining a high character, a trait that will serve him very well throughout his career.
