LeBron James criticizes draft forecasts for Bronny James.
ESPN appeared to offend one LeBron James by presenting their latest NBA mock draft on Monday.
While Bronny James was projected as a second-round choice in prior mock drafts, the most recent list removed him entirely and instead projected him to be taken in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The estimates sparked a wide range of emotions on social media, with some urging Bronny to stay at USC for a second year to improve his skills and others deciding that the 19-year-old is just not made out for the NBA.
James chose to weigh in on the hot-button issue via X in a pair of now-deleted postings.
“Can yall please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,” James told Sports Illustrated. “Regardless of what he does, the effort and results will eventually speak for themselves. If you don’t know, he doesn’t care what a mock draft says; he just WORKS! “Earned, Not Given!”And to all the other youngsters out there who want to be great, just keep your head down, blinders on, and keep grinding. These mock drafts don’t matter at all! I promise you! ONLY THE WORK MATTERS!! “Let’s talk real basketball, people!”
