Jun 5, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; NBA analyst and former player Shaquille O'Neal speaks before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics during game two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Made His Feelings Clear About Bronny James

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 30, 2025 8:12 PM ET

Bronny James got a lot of attention from media and fans during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Right before the 2024 NBA Draft, Basketball Hall of Famer (and Los Angeles Lakers legend) Shaquille O'Neal shared his thoughts on Bronny.

O'Neal (via The Big Podcast with Shaq in June, 2024): "He's a kid. Great kid. All he wants to do his play. It's unfortunate for kids like ours that have to live up to what we have done. I tell my kids all the time pressure is when you don't know where your next meal is coming from. You don't have to be like me. I want you to be better than me. I'm not talking about as a player. As a person... I hope he has the opportunity to play well, I hope he has the opportunity to make a name for himself... Kid's 18, 19 years old; I hope he gets drafted, I hope he makes it and I hope he can do it on his own... I think it would be a bad look if they say you only made it because of your daddy. I know as a kid, they want to make it for themselves, and he will."