Aaron Rodgers and LeBron James are two of the most successful athletes in the sporting world. The compatriots also happen to be elder statesmen in their respective sports.

Following the historic selection of USC guard and LeBron’s son Bronny James in the LA Lakers on Thursday, an analyst opined that the selection came due to the star players’ unprecedented access to the franchises’ decision-making process. According to the expert, this development seemingly resonates with the treatment offered to veteran QB Aaron Rodgers by his team, the New York Jets.

Bronny’s selection in the Lakers was widely predicted by the draft experts and has certainly turned heads in the basketball community. However, it has also invited speculations from experts – namely Michelle Smallmon, who contemplates LeBron’s influence behind the Lakers’ decision.

While making an appearance on ESPN Radio, analyst Smallmon suggested that the Lakers power forward isn’t the first professional to meet his wishes. Moreover, she highlighted how Rodgers assembled the current active roster on his team. The analyst later questioned the legitimacy of such differential treatment provided to these professionals. “LeBron James isn’t the first star athlete to get what he wants. We were watching Aaron Rodgers basically assemble the Jets to his liking. As a front desk executive, you want to empower your star players but where does it stop?”

Bronny’s selection in the Lakers comes off as a huge win for both the young athlete and his father. Last year, the USC freshman was sidelined for 5 months after suffering a heart attack during a practice session. Thankfully, his medical issues were later catered to as he underwent corrective surgery to treat a congenital heart defect.

Just like the expectation mounting on Bronny James to emulate his father, all hopes rest on Rodgers who is expected to turn around the Jets’ fortune this year.

Can Aaron Rodgers deliver a first-division win for Jets?

Rodgers’s opening year with the Jets did not go as planned. Nearly nine months ago, the QB sustained a nasty left Achilles injury that cost him the entire season. Although the veteran underwent rehabilitation and returned to the playing field, he skipped the season’s mandatory minicamp in hopes of seeking time away from the sport.

While the ex-Packers quarterback will enter his 20th NFL season this year, his fitness might cause issues for the franchise. It is worth noting that the team’s current roster is designed to assist Rodgers deliver his best on the field. Furthermore, under the guidance of the Jets HC Robert Saleh, the team has gone 18-33 in the past three seasons.

Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether the franchise can take over the division in the 2024 season. If Rodgers’s health doesn’t pose a threat to the team’s performance, the QB might likely deliver impressive results and simply elevate the Jets’ ranking on the charts.