Bronny Smith?
The question of whether Bronny James would have made it to the NBA this year under the name John Smith brings about significant skepticism.
During his freshman year at USC, Bronny James posted an average of less than five points per game, a performance that typically wouldn’t put a player on the NBA draft radar. Yet, he declared for the draft and was subsequently picked by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round.
There’s little doubt that having LeBron James as a father played a role in this outcome. The influence of LeBron, a towering figure in basketball, likely swayed opportunities in favor of his son.
Additionally, Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, who is also deeply embedded in the basketball world and manages LeBron, asserted to TMZ Sports that Bronny would have reached the NBA regardless of his surname.
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However, this claim has been met with skepticism from the public and basketball fans.
For example, one fan humorously referenced Thanasis Antetokounmpo, suggesting that family ties similarly benefited Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother in his NBA career.
Another fan made a playful comment connecting the hypothetical name “John Smith” to the legendary figure in Pocahontas, joking about the marketing appeal of such a name in sports.
More critically, another comment highlighted that most college players with modest statistics like Bronny’s would typically return to school to enhance their skills and stats, rather than entering the draft—a decision seemingly influenced by the prestige of the James name.
Despite the controversy, the sentiment among some fans and observers is one of hopeful anticipation: that Bronny James will eventually silence the critics by demonstrating his worth and talent in the NBA, independent of his family name.
This evolving story will continue to generate debate as he begins his professional journey.
