Former NBA player Steven Hunter slammed LeBron James and his sports agent Rich Paul for helping Bronny James’ sign up with the Los Angeles Lakers. A couple of weeks ago, the Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the second round of the draft.
Bronny, 19, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game in his lone season at USC. But he was sidelined for five months after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said that Bronny deserved his signing because of the hard yards he has put in. James has signed a four-year deal worth $7.9 million.
“For those that don’t know… Late second round picks don’t get guarantees (especially before summer league ),” Steven Hunter wrote on social media, via OutKick.
“Typically late second round picks don’t get 4 year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry… And it’s an egregious abuse of power from LBJ [LeBron James] & Rich Paul. It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their a–es off to get to the league. It’s sneaky hollywood s— like this that turns a lot of people off about Lebron. …
Hunter said legendary Michael Jordan could have got one of his sons in the NBA if he had taken personal benefits of his position.
“This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like’em. This is why most people prefer [Michael Jordan] or Kobe [Bryant] over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe gone be straight shooters… Trust me MJ could’ve gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that…
“Not taking anything away from Bronny nor am I upset at Bronny… Just know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it truly takes to get there.”
Meanwhile, Bronny James scored four points on 2-for-9 shooting in his NBA Summer League debut.
