Ex-NBA player attacks LeBron James denouncing Bronny James as a nepotism pick (image credit: IMAGN)
10-year NBA veteran Steven Hunter got some things off his chest regarding Bronny James. The former big man took to social media to share his thoughts about the Los Angeles Lakers picking Bronny at 55 in the most recent NBA Draft, and giving him a four-year guaranteed deal as a late second-round pick.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he called the decision an ‘abuse of power’ from LeBron James and Rich Paul. He brought up Michael Jordan’s name, too, stating that MJ could’ve done the same thing with his kids but chose not to.
“For those that don’t know… Late second round picks don’t get guarantees (Especially before summer league). Typically late second round picks don’t get 4 year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn’t earned I’m sorry… And it’s an egregious abuse of power from LBJ & Rich Paul. It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their asses off to get to the league.
“It’s sneaky hollywood s**t like this that turns a lot of people off about Lebron… This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like ’em. This is why most people prefer MJ or Kobe over him because you know at least Mj or Kobe gone be straight shooters… Trust me MJ could’ve gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that…
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
He added that LeBron gave a ‘sense of entitlement’ to Bronny James:
“But he didn’t because MJ stands on earned not given and he would’ve never gave his son a sense of entitlement which is what Lebron James just did with Bronny… Not taking anything away from Bronny nor am I upset at Bronny… Just know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it truly takes to get there,” Hunter wrote.
Hunter, 41, played eight seasons in the NBA shared between the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, appearing in 400 games.
LeBron James sent strong message to Bronny James’ critics
With all the criticism Bronny James has received from fans and analysts like Jason Whitlock, his father sent a clear message to those who are trying to bring him down. LeBron James made it clear that his son doesn’t care about anything people say about him.
“I don’t know if people really understand Bronny. He doesn’t care. I actually care a little bit. When I came in, I wanted people to like me, and some of the things that people were saying about me kind of bothered me early on in my career. … He doesn’t give a f**k,” LeBron said.
[1:13 mark]
Bronny James has already played his first game with the Lakers, making his debut in the California Classic over the weekend, posting four points in 21 minutes.Was this article helpful?
