Lakers News: Shaq sends strong warning to the rest of the NBA about LeBron James' son Bronny

NBA

Shaquille O'Neal, the former Lakers center, has weighed in on Bronny James' entry into the NBA, delivering a powerful message to critics and the league.

By Gianni Taina

July 02, 2024 07:52PM EDT

July 02, 2024 07:52PM EDT

© Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesShaquille O'Neal looks on during the third quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat

LeBron James has long expressed his dream of playing alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA. That dream is now a reality, as the Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the draft.

However, the announcement sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the Lakers' decision was influenced by nepotism and whether Bronny had the talent to compete at the NBA level.

Shaquille O'Neal, an NBA legend, addressed the controversy surrounding Bronny's draft selection and came to his defense with a clear and emphatic message.

In the latest episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq", O'Neal stood up for Bronny James and urged the public to ease off the criticism. "I would like the scrutiny to get off Bronny James," he said.

O'Neal continued, "He's my nephew. He's a boy. A great kid. All he wants to do is play. It's unfortunate for the kids that have to live up to what we've done. I hope he gets a chance to play well. I hope he gets a chance to make a name for himself. I'm sitting watching all this criticism. All that stuff's unnecessary."

With this, Shaq made it clear that Bronny deserves a fair shot and that the undue criticism is unwarranted, emphasizing the young player's potential and the challenges of living up to a legendary legacy.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, specializing in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he made his initial strides as a writer. Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like Roland Garros. His ability to report on real-time events and write under pressure has established him as a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA. Gianni earned his degree in Communication from Deportea in Buenos Aires, Argentina.