Bronny James Admits ‘It’s Tough’ Being LeBron James’ Son Because ‘A Lot of Criticism Comes At Him’… Amid Fears He’s Not Ready For NBA Draft

Bronny James admitted it wasn’t easy being the son of a legend.

LeBron James’ eldest child, who declared himself a candidate for the 2024 NBA draft last month, said he faced challenges growing up in his father’s shadow.

“It’s tough,” Bronny said in an interview with NBA Central this week.

“A lot of criticism comes at me, but you know, I have to deal with it,” he added.

“(My critics) don’t know what I’ve been through…I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given.”

Bronny James admitted it was “tough” growing up in his father LeBron James’ shadow

“A lot of criticism comes at me, but you know, I have to deal with it,” he said.

The 19-year-old guard, who only has one season of college basketball at USC under his belt, also spoke about his decision to move from college to the pros.

“You know, I always want to end up where I’m happiest,” he explained.

“(My) mother always told me, you know, ‘take me where my heart wants me to be,’ and I found happiness in what I’m doing right now, and I have the feel like this is where I want to be.’

Bronny was also asked if he had ever considered playing a sport other than basketball, to which he answered “no.”

“I mean, I’ve played other sports,” he said. ‘I played soccer. (I) wasn’t allowed to play football. My mother didn’t allow it. So yes, I was always a sports person, but basketball was just my cup of tea.

The 19-year-old declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.

“I made the decision to enter the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility,” he said.

Last April, the freshman announced his intention to join his father in the NBA – if he was drafted in June.

“I’ve had a year of ups and downs, but it all added up to growth for me as a man, a student and an athlete,” Bronny wrote on Instagram, apparently referring to the fact that he underwent a cardiac arrest during a training session in July 2023.

“I have made the decision to enter the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and I will also enter the NCAA transfer portal,” he continued.

“Thank you to USC for an incredible first year and, as always, grateful to my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”

Bronny then participated in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago in early May.

Despite his father’s support, some critics suggested that Bronny was not ready to turn professional.

Although Bronny has impressed in several areas in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month, concerns persist that he is not ready to turn professional.

In an article published in The Ringer, an anonymous NBA general manager remarked that “Bronny is nowhere near ready.”

The mysterious general manager also advised him to “go back to school to develop at his own pace, otherwise he risks getting lost in the confusion, whether he plays with his father or not.”

LeBron previously expressed support for his son, telling reporters during the NBA All-Star Game weekend in February that he was going to “let the kid make (his own) decision.”