After Shading Bronny, James Worthy Advices Lakers’ 55th Pick Over NBA Future: “Find a Niche”

It was a tense moment! However, the Lakers made it. By selecting Bronny James as the 55th pick, the franchise will have a father and son duo playing on the same team for the first time in NBA history. Pumped among the many in the NBA circle is former NBA player James Worthy who awaits to see how things turn out for the rookie. Moments after getting accused of shading the 19-year-old, Worthy shared his opinion on young James’ future.

“Bronny is one step closer to doing what I think he really wants to do and that’s you know carve his own niche. You know I think that’s what he wants to do. It has to have been difficult to be the son of LeBron James you know from High School to his one year at USC,” the retired NBA player noted about Bronny on Spectrum SportsNet.

While he notes that being LeBron’s son has had its negative weight, it has also helped Bronny get a good layout and preparations for the league. But that is not to say, he needs no grooming. “ You know he hasn’t blossomed yet. He’s still growing so let’s see. We’ll give him a chance and his time is now. He can start to just be Bronny and you know you got to like that,” Worthy adds. 

Also speaking of his overall development as a player, James analyzed the roles Bronny could assume. A ‘pesty defender,’ and a ‘pull up three,’ are what frame Worthy’s ideas. He might still be green and criticized for his height (6’1), but James believes, the 19-year-old is bound to find his niche like many did before him — JJ Barea, and Nate Archibald among others.

As mentioned in the conversation, Bronny’s focus is to make a name for himself in the league. While many including the Lakers owner Rob Pelinka have high hopes and faith in the USC star, there have been contradicting opinions too.

In a conversation with the media, right after the announcement, Pelinka shared what Bronny’s selection could mean for the Los Angeles Lakers and the 19-year-old. He commended Bronny for his “high character” and “hard work,” something he looks for in athletes. Pelinka even revealed the USC star also impressed during draft workout. “He was a man of character,” the GM recalls. All in all, the Lakers seem happy with their pick; against the many criticisms that floated their way.

What was the incident with James Worthy?

Well, in the latest segment, Worthy had all praise and support for young James and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it wasn’t the same as a while ago. In a mistakenly leaked video, the former Lakers star allegedly made a sarcastic comment ahead of Bronny’s selection.

“Who we gonna be waiting for on the second day?….Well, he’s the greatest young player ever right now, that’s Bronny, that’s what I’m gonna say,” James allegedly said in the clip. There was another speaker in the clip too. For many who listened to the audio, it seems that the speaker is allegedly Worthy, and his comment was likely aimed at shading the 55th pick. However, nothing is proven.

After LeBron James‘s son Bronny’s underwhelming performance for USC and absence due to health conditions, numerous have doubts about Bronny’s debut in the league. Some such as Byron Scott even believed that Bronny should have spent another year in college. Many such as a Philadelphia 76ers writer don’t seem so thrilled about it. Well, since the clip hasn’t been proven to be related to the former NBA player, we have to wait and see how Bronny fares in the league, as Worthy mentioned.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.