Finally, Bronny James has given proof of his worthiness for donning the Los Angeles Lakers squad’s jersey, and it’s not on the court. Ever since Rob Pelinka and his squad selected the no. 55 overall pick, there has been controversy regarding his readiness for the league. Especially after the Summer League performance, where he put seven points per game on a 13% beyond-the-arc shooting percentage. His father, LeBron James, averaged 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on a 60% field goal percentage on his debut through Summer League. However, it seems Apple did not fall far from the tree as Bronny James’ first Lakers game jersey almost accumulated as much amount as that of James’.

Recently, the Athletic reported that Bronny James’ debut jersey from the Summer League has been auctioned for a whopping $38,400! Surprisingly, the 19-year-old’s jersey was expected to be sold somewhere between $ 6K and $10K. However, the young prospect almost broke through the ceiling of expectations as he almost touched his father, LeBron James‘ milestone. King James’ regular season debut jersey that he put on auction was sold for $40,040 – having the younger James miss the mark by $1640.

Nevertheless, the gap in skills between the father and son is not the same. LeBron James was the no.1 overall pick with a greater skill set. However, the NBA doesn’t just run on the skills or performance. It goes on with the entertainment and some glimmer of showcase as well. Anthony Edwards is the biggest proof of it. The public scrutiny that has followed Bronny James’ post-draft has only added to his fame.

Even before his league entrance, a 2023 Bowman U Chrome trading card signed by Bronny and LeBron James went for about $114,000 in March. Similarly, a 1/1 Bowman University Sapphire card that just featured Bronny James on it got off the shelf for $9,150. And it is much more than the 2024 no.1 pick Zaccharie Risacher’s debut jersey, whose auction value was $3,360.

So it might be safe to assume that instead of G-League, Bronny James’ place in the NBA will only carry more audience to Crypto.com and other foreign arenas. However, will it be enough to end the Nepotism regarding the young prospect?

Will Bronny James’ fame carry away the stain of being a Nepo kid on the court?

Even since Bronny James got into the league, much of the debate is around the fact that his father, LeBron James, abused his power. He used his influence and name in the league to make sure that his son, Bronny, only got to play with him. That’s why the Lakers were so eager to draft the young rookie. Yet the community, after a certain point, ensured to give the 19-year-old guard some time to showcase his skills. Amid all of this pressure, the only thing that stood out for JJ Redick was Bronny’s prowess at protecting the rim.

After the game of the California Classic, Redick commented on Bronny, “I thought the last game of the Cali Classic, defensively, he was terrific.” So far, the Lakers guard has not stunned the hoopers with his performance. However, the name that he carries and the narratives moving around him will surely push the audience to watch his games. It might be a sign that even in a bad light for now, Bronny James has his own identity.

Not to mention, the NBA’s main source of revenue is broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals and gate receipts. So it might be safe to assume that as time moves on, Bronny James will grow up in skill and fame. And as it happens, scrutiny and criticism will follow as well. However, there will be a certain hope of a banger performance from Bronny James that will pull the audience every time he gets on the court. So it might be shocking for now, but Bronny James can get contracts bigger than his contemporaries with greater skills. However, he will have to balance out his name with his on-court display. Otherwise, he will be just a short-term gimmick for the league.