Is the veteran player compromising the Lakers’ results for his whims?
LeBron James “abused his power” with the Los Angeles Lakers to ensure his son, Bronny, was drafted by the team in the recent NBA Draft.
Steven Hunter, a former NBA player, stated that everyone knew the Lakers were practically obligated to draft James Jr. In fact, Lakers fans are still debating whether LeBron’s recent decisions are hurting the team’s chances of success. The team’s management stuck to their plan and selected Bronny with the 55th pick, sparking talk of nepotism.
Hunter, who played in the NBA from 2001 to 2010, started trending on Wednesday after posting a scathing message about Bronny’s draft. He boldly declared that Bronny’s spot on the Lakers’ roster, along with a fully guaranteed multi-year rookie contract, was given rather than earned.
The former player criticized LeBron and Rich Paul for taking an opportunity away from a college prospect with a stronger resume. Hunter emphasized that he is not upset with Bronny but with those who influenced his entry into the NBA.
“For those who don’t know… Final second-round picks are not guaranteed (especially before the summer league),” Hunter posted.
Bronny averaged less than five points per game in his only season at USC and measured a disappointing 6 feet 1 inch at the NBA Draft Combine.
Hunter’s argument continued, denouncing LeBron’s “abuse of power.”
Arguments Against LeBron
“Generally, late second-round picks also don’t get four-year guaranteed roster spot deals. This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry… It’s an outrageous abuse of power by LBJ [LeBron James] and Rich Paul. It’s sly Hollywood crap like this that discourages many people.”
Michael Jordan Could Have Gotten One of His Sons into the League if He Had Chosen to Abuse His Power in This Way
Steven Hunter, former NBA player
“This is just another example of what people talk about when they try to please them. That’s why most people prefer MJ [Michael Jordan] or Kobe over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe wouldn’t do something like this. Believe me, MJ could have gotten one of his sons into the league if he had chosen to abuse his power in this way.”
“But he didn’t because MJ is about what is earned, not given, and he never would have given his son a sense of entitlement, which is what LeBron James just did with Bronny… I’m not taking anything away from Bronny nor am I mad at Bronny. You just need to know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it really takes to get there.”
