After much back and forth and many discussions, Bronny James put all rumors to rest with his Instagram post. The eldest son of LeBron James made his decision and let everyone know that he was entering the 2024 NBA draft and the transfer portal. The 19-year-old has been under the watchful eyes of the media and the world since his birth. While carrying the James name comes with added scrutiny and responsibility, to have his entire life and identity shaped by his father is simply a weight no teenager should be subject to.

And if that wasn’t enough, a longtime rumor is fast getting attention again; that of the ‘Akron Hammer’ making the Lakers draft his son. Basketball analyst and sports talk radio host Doug Gottlieb addresses this in his latest episode of The Doug Gottlieb Show. Joining him was none other than ex-Miami Heat star, Jamal Mashburn. Having a college-going son himself, the former All-Star has some sound advice for the Lakers’ superstar and his son. “I just would be cautious if I’m LeBron … If there’s this expectation for him [Bronny] to be something similar to his dad, I think that’s sending the wrong message.”

“At some point, LeBron will move out of the game, and Bronny’s in the NBA. What’s his identity? It has to be tied to Bronny, not LeBron,” he said. “I think he [Bronny] have to tread cautiously and lightly and just make sure that he has a clear understanding of how to be a professional.”

Even though it has been 19 years since “The Monster Mash” left the professional basketball scene, his name still resounds on-court. But the father of the 22-year-old says that he doesn’t want his son’s individuality and journey defined by him. Because being able to be in “complete ownership” of your career can only be attained when it has your fingerprints on it.

LeBron James has no wish to influence his son’s decisions

James has never been shy about his wish to play with his son. The man brings it up at regular intervals, which in hindsight probably does not help the USC guard’s case. Either way, LeBron James has been clear where he stands regarding Bronny’s future. Take, for instance, the most recent allegation that James was micromanaging Bronny’s decisions.

The 4x champion said that Bronny was his own man when it came to matters such as these. Ultimately, his family was going to support him no matter what his decision was. But as Mashburn pointed out, he has a father who’s been in the system for so long. The ‘kid from Akron’ has come a long way. And that is Bronny’s advantage.

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All he has to do is take the lead with his father’s assistance and support. Of course, it’s easier said than done. But that’s what family is for. And we all know how fiercely protective and downright supportive the James family is.

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