With tears in his eyes and his family and loved ones surrounding him, Bronny James finally realized his lifelong dream of becoming an NBA player. As predicted by most, he got drafted by the Lakers with their 55 pick. But internet being internet, soon online critics began questioning this decision and even accused Bronny of only getting this platform because he is LeBron James’ son. However, a familiar face who also played a huge role in saving Bronny’s life last year came to the rookie’s aid once again and rubbished all the nepotism claims.

Watching all the hate coming Bronny’s way following the draft, an X user named Sifu, likely part of the USC training staff, defended the teenager by reminding the world of his tough journey to the NBA. As it turns out, Sifu was the one who alerted 911 when Bronny suffered a sudden cardiac arrest last July. Attaching the audio of the panic-filled 911 call that saved Bronny’s life, Sifu tweeted, “Subject: Bronny James | I was there when he had a Heart Attack… I’m the Person that Called 911 | Kid had Heart Surgery, came back 6 Months later, Played HM Basketball @ 25lbs over normal Weight b/c he couldn’t Workout, & even had a 20pt Game last yr.

“HOW DARE ANYONE QUESTION OR SPEAK NEGATIVELY ON THAT KID?! FOH,” he concluded. While some people believe that Bronny had an easy path to the NBA, it is nothing short of a miracle that he has reached this level so quickly after what happened last year. Although the timely 911 call was a blessing, Bronny was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and had to undergo surgery, which delayed his USC debut by several months.

Despite the life-threatening incident, he didn’t lose his passion and made his college debut in December after getting back in basketball shape in such a short span. Although fans are quick to criticize his 4.8 points average, they tend to forget that Bronny started late and was recovering from a serious health condition.

During a presser at the Draft Combine, Bronny revealed how that tough phase helped him become a stronger person. “It was a tough time for sure but all this work I’ve put in, it’s just really built me into someone that will never give up and it paid off because I put the work into that situation and I’m back to where I want to be.”

Bronny James has a significant upside despite the criticism

Making a successful comeback from a life-threatening situation to playing college ball was already enough to make Bronny a winner at life. But taking it a step further, the teenager also continuously worked on improving his game, thus increasing his draft stock in the past few months. Especially during the draft combine in Chicago, Bronny impressed everyone with his 40.5-inch vertical leap and his amazing shooting stroke during the multiple three-point shooting drills, at one point making eleven of eleven from deep range.

Moreover, it is highly unlikely that the Lakers could have selected a better player than Bronny so late in the draft. Realistically, the 55 pick is not expected to turn into a superstar. Most don’t even survive too many years in the league. So, why would the Lakers not select a player who has proven that he can come back from adverse situations and has the work ethic and passion to constantly improve his game? Athletic, a good shooter, a lockdown defender, ready to make the dirty plays, and great at facing the media, Bronny seems to have what it takes to be a part of the league regardless of what the critics say.

But most importantly, Bronny seems to be in love with the game just like his dad, which helps him push through every challenge, “I still think about everything that could happen but I just love the game so much it just overpowers everything.”

While the memory of last year’s incident still haunts him, Bronny’s passion for becoming a great basketball player is what keeps him going. And maybe people should give the kid a chance and see how he performs in his rookie year before disregarding his inspiring journey. Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.