Deion Sanders, aka “Prime Time,” made a name for himself in the ’90s as a star player in both MLB and NFL. His dual-sport success led to lucrative contracts, making him one of the highest-paid athletes of his time. But Deion’s passion for sports goes beyond his aspiration to play in the NBA. But rules prevent him from participating in three professional sports, dashing those dreams.

Despite this, Deion’s love for basketball never faded. He’s an avid follower of NBA news and has even developed a close bond with NBA star LeBron James and analyst Stephen A. Smith. Despite the challenges facing his Colorado Buffaloes team, Deion finds time to share his insights on the NBA. Recently, he praised his friend Smith for his candid opinions about LeBron James’ potential influence on his son’s draft.

Deion Sanders backs the unfiltered take on LeBron’s draft moves

Stephen A. Smith recently gave his unfiltered opinion, stating that “Lebron James is trying to get Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James with second-round pick he’d also like JJ Redick to be his next head coach.” Though a controversial take, Smith was cautious, stating, “I’m just telling you what I’ve heard. That doesn’t mean the Lakers want JJ Redick, and it doesn’t mean they don’t.” But then he couldn’t hold back, adding, “They haven’t made a final decision about anybody yet, but LeBron has.”

Smith said, “Bronny James might not make it to the Lakers’ second-round pick because if a team like the Dallas Mavericks could position themselves to get him in the second round they’ll take him.“ He added, “If you the Dallas Mavericks, and you got Kyrie, and you got Luka, and LeBron James is willing to come to Big D, Dallas, Texas. That might be the first time something is more popular than the Cowboys.“ Although it’s not very likely, this idea seems to have excited the Buffs’ head coach, who gave his thumbs up by commenting, “Great Take.“ Now, it’s not just the NBA that links the Sanders family to “King James;” there’s more to it.

Bronny and Shedeur strive to forge their own paths 

It’s often believed that Coach Prime is the NFL equivalent of LeBron James in the NBA. These legendary athletes turned influential fathers share a similar approach to guiding their sons’ careers. This means not shying away from expressing preferences for their landing spots in professional sports. Just as LeBron is rumored to be influencing Bronny’s draft choices, Deion has publicly stated that his quarterback son, Shedeur Sanders, might pull an “Eli Manning,“ refusing to play for specific teams. He even advised his son to avoid “cold-weathered teams“ in the draft. The anticipation is building as we await the 2025 draft to see how this father-son duo moves through it.

For now, both the star kids are in a tough position. Bronny had a severe health scare last July but is making progress despite the setback to his draft prospects. Shedeur is also facing criticism, dropping in early mock drafts for 2025. This adds to their pressure to live up to their famous father’s legacy. Despite that, both young athletes seem determined to make their own mark in sports.