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LeBron James Gets Honest About Grown Men And Women Hating On His Son Bronny Who Is Trying To Make The NBA
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

On the 'Mind The Game' podcast, LeBron James opened up about the harsh criticism his 19-year-old son, Bronny James, faces as he pursues his NBA dream. LeBron expressed his frustration and disbelief over the negativity directed at Bronny from adults.

"My son, who’s a 19-year-old, getting a lot of animosity & hatred toward him, while he’s just a kid trying to live out his dream. There’s a very small number of men & women that actually get to live out their dream of playing a professional sport.

"We have grown men & women out here doing whatever they can to try to make sure that does not happen. That is the weirdest thing in the world."

He emphasized how rare and special it is to have the opportunity to play a professional sport. LeBron's remarks highlight the troubling phenomenon of adults actively trying to undermine a young athlete's aspirations. 

This candid reflection sheds light on the intense pressure and scrutiny that Bronny faces, not just from the general public but from individuals who should ideally be supportive or at least neutral. LeBron's comments underscore the importance of fostering a positive environment for young athletes striving to achieve their dreams, rather than tearing them down.

LeBron's protective stance and his call for a more supportive attitude towards young athletes are timely reminders of the broader responsibilities society holds in nurturing the next generation of talent. His honest assessment brings attention to the unnecessary obstacles young athletes like Bronny must navigate, simply to follow their passion.

LeBron James Loves Bronny's Mindset Going Through NBA Draft Process 

LeBron James has expressed profound admiration for his son Bronny James' approach to the NBA draft process, highlighting the young player's maturity and self-awareness. Speaking on the 'Mind The Game' podcast, LeBron shared his thoughts on Bronny's mindset and the impressive way he is navigating his path to the NBA.

"No, I see figuring this out on his own. I think he's figuring it. I wanted him to kind of figure it out on his own where he see himself fit in the NBA or, you know, where he see, you know, what his comp looks like to to see, you know, him mention guys like Dereck White, Jrue Holiday, you know, a few other guys, Marcus Smart and Davion Mitchell.

"These are guys who like come in and for a team that's trying to win championships, a team that wants to win every night, these are the players that you have to have on your team because they just, it doesn't always show up in the box scores, but it always shows up in the winning plays.

"And, you know, for Bronny to have that perspective on where he stands today, you know, that's great. And I think that's great for any team to be able to have a 19-year-old kid. Like you said, you know, I know that wasn't my goal.

"I just, I just love his mindset. It's just some of his answers and to a lot of the questions that was given to him was like, I was in awe of, because we've never actually, you know, even talked about it, but he's living in it. He's living in the moment.

"Like, I didn't have social media to deal with when I came in at 18. I did have a lot of scrutiny. I did have a lot of things that was put on my shoulders, but I didn't have, you know, you know, every single day around the clock news coverage, sports shows, things that talking about this particular person every single day or you go online or on social media and X and Instagram.

"And everyone can comment every single day about whatever they want to say, whatever. I didn't have to deal with that. And to see him handle it, you know, with such class and so, you know, just like self-awareness and just saying even kill is just a remarkable thing, man. And super proud of him.

"You know, me and Savannah talk about all the time, how proud we are of our kids. And he's the oldest. We always told him from day one listen, you have to set an example for your brother and your little sister. And he continues to do that."

LeBron emphasized his desire for Bronny to independently determine his fit within the NBA. Bronny's self-comparisons to players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, and Davion Mitchell reflect a realistic and team-oriented perspective. These players are known for their crucial roles on championship-caliber teams, making significant contributions that often go beyond the box scores. 

Bronny's performance at the NBA Draft Combine has started to dispel some doubts about his readiness for the NBA, especially following a challenging freshman season at USC and a health scare. 

His articulate responses to the media, where he acknowledged looking up to role players rather than aiming for immediate stardom, impressed many, including JJ Redick and his father. This mature outlook is rare among young prospects who often aspire to All-Star status from the outset.

LeBron contrasted Bronny's current journey with his own early career ambitions. While LeBron aimed for immediate success and accolades, Bronny's focus on understanding his role and contributing to team success demonstrates a commendable level of self-awareness.

LeBron also praised Bronny's ability to handle the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being his son in the age of social media. LeBron acknowledged that he never had to deal with the pervasive, round-the-clock coverage and online commentary that Bronny faces.

LeBron James' admiration for Bronny's mindset during the NBA draft process underscores the young player's maturity and readiness to carve out his own path. Despite the pressures and expectations, Bronny's focus on becoming a valuable team player speaks volumes about his character and potential in the NBA.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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