Bronny James recently suffered a massive setback that potentially hurt his NBA aspirations. According to ESPN’s 2024 mock NBA draft, LeBron James’ older son is projected to go undrafted in their year’s draft. While many hoped Bronny would fulfill his father’s dream next season by joining him on an NBA floor, he has instead been projected to get drafted in the class of 2025. Amid Bronny’s recent setback, sports host Ryen Russillo further questioned the USC star’s credibility to enter the NBA.

In a recent episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, the veteran host highlighted the glaring shortcomings in Bronny’s game. “I’ve watched a few (USC) games (this season), and unless you’re looking for him, you don’t really notice him.” Russillo said about Bronny’s first season as a USC Trojan. Ryen pointed out that Bronny is sixth in minutes on an abysmal USC team. Bronny is only averaging 4.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in the 22 games he has played. “He’s a freshman, but he’s a role player who for a few years now, we’ve been talking about what he projects at as an NBA player, and he doesn’t stand out on this ‘SC team again. That’s not very good.” Ryen added.

Russillo also reminded the NBA World that ESPN projected Bronny to be drafted 10th overall in the 2024 draft just a year ago. Ryen revealed how people reacted to ESPN’s projection: “When that came out, people were laughing in the NBA.” The veteran host believes ESPN increased Bronny’s draft value last year only to create a buzz. However, this year’s projection seems more realistic.

Is LeBron James at fault for all the criticism Bronny gets?

After the news for Bronny’s draft projection came out, LeBron blasted the media and the NBA World for pressurizing the 19-year-old through a Twitter rant. However, the Lakers superstar received a lot of backlash for his tweet and later deleted the post. Ryen Russillo pointed out LeBron’s 180 turn on his previous stance for Bronny. LeBron has been hyping up Bronny for a long time. Last year, LeBron tweeted that Bronny was better than several NBA players. In January, he reportedly made another comment about Bronny’s skills, “He could play for us right now. Easy.”

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So, fans did not like LeBron backtracking from his previous stance after ESPN snubbed Bronny in the mock draft. However, Russillo was okay with King James supporting his eldest. “I’d rather have my dad talk me up than tell me I suck every day.” Even though LeBron is receiving a lot of criticism for his comments, he is likely only doing it to protect his son and be a good father.

Do you believe LeBron should be blamed for Bronny’s criticism following his draft projection?