On June 28, Beijing time, the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, which is the most popular, came to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers got their wish and picked Bronny, making LeBron James' wish come true.
Bronny's selection sparked heated discussions throughout the circle, with "American Yang Yi" Smith saying that James was manipulating the Lakers in the dark, that he made Redick the head coach, and that the Lakers used a second-round pick to pick Bronny.
The actual draft process, according to Shams, also has an inside story. As soon as the second-round draft began, Rich Paul called the teams and told them not to pick Bronny and leave him to the Lakers.
In the live broadcast room, when Bronny was drafted, A Smith said that the Lakers chose him because of nepotism.
Woj added: "I don't want to hear any more accusations of nepotism in the NBA, where owners, management, coaches, etc. are already full of nepotism. Don't let Brownie amplify this, it's always rampant in the league. ”
Lakers general manager Pelinka said: "The team used the No. 55 pick to select Bronny, not because of James' influence, but mainly because of this kid's personality, work attitude and potential."
In an interview before the draft, Bronny said, "I don't think anybody would draft me to get my dad James, and I don't think a manager would really allow that to happen." I put in the effort and I will be chosen..."
When James received a call from the Lakers in the second round of the draft, he turned on champagne to celebrate. When Bronny's name was called out by Xiao Hua, James and Sister-in-law Zhan burst into tears, and the youngest son Bryce hurriedly took a handsome photo of his brother with his mobile phone.
Bronny spoke to reporters after being drafted, expressing how lucky he was to be selected to enter the NBA. Bronny also said he wasn't drafted because of his dad, he was drafted as a player who was needed.
Regarding Brownie's candidacy, Yang Yi, a well-known domestic commentator, expressed his views very early.
Yang Yi believes: "Only the best 450 basketball players in the world can enter the NBA to play. Even the substitute players in it are all characters who call for wind and rain in their respective leagues. There are many players who score more than 10 or 20 points in college. Every player who wants to enter the NBA is the Jordan of his own story in order to be favored by the NBA team. ”
After a change of words, Yang Yi returned to Bronny: "If it wasn't his dad, if it wasn't for the Lakers who selected him, why would I choose an athlete who averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game in the college league in the second round, you have to give other team management a reason."
Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in his freshman season in the NCAA, and Zhang Zhenlin averaged 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game in his freshman season in the NCAA. Bronny was chosen, while Jang was undrafted.
So, based solely on Bronny's stats in the collegiate league, he shouldn't have been on the joint tryout. But his dad is James, and James uses his connections to push Brownie to the front of the stage.
With James' influence, Bronny's strengths in training will be amplified by the media, and the media will try not to mention the shortcomings. After all, it is not the media that chooses Bronny, it is the team that pays, cultivates and bears the consequences.
And from the perspective of the media, who doesn't want to join in the fun and see the first time in NBA history that a father and son are on the same stage. Not to mention anything else, at least the box office is a big hit, and there will be no shortage of news hotspots.
After returning home, James updated a photo with his son Bronny on social media, with the caption "Legacy!". Dad can only help him get here, if Bronny is really not capable enough, it will be very painful to enter the NBA, and he will have to work his own.