Steven Hunter accuses LeBron James of leveraging influence to secure NBA spot for Bronny.
Former NBA player Steven Hunter has publicly criticized LeBron James, accusing him of using his influence to secure an NBA spot for his son, Bronny James. Hunter’s comments highlight the rarity of Bronny’s situation, as late second-round picks typically do not receive four-year guaranteed contracts, especially before playing in the Summer League. He shared this on Instagram and it was snapped by ‘Jacobtheclipper’.
“For those that don’t know… Late second-round picks don’t get guarantees (Especially before summer league). 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 & Rich Paul.”
“It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their asses off to get to the league. It’s sneaky Hollywood s**t like this that turns a lot of people off about LeBron… This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like’em.”
Former NBA player Steven Hunter posted his outrage on Instagram that LeBron is abusing his power to force Bronny into the league. He says MJ could have done the same thing if he wanted to with his son but he didn’t because, “MJ stands on earned and not given” 🤔 pic.twitter.com/sBQO6pE8bX
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) July 9, 2024
“This is why most people prefer MJ or Kobe 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.”
“But he didn’t because MJ stands on earned not given and he would’ve never gave his son a sense of entitlement which is what LeBron James just did with Bronny… 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.”
Hunter’s Instagram post expressed his frustration, calling it an “egregious abuse of power” by LeBron and his agent, Rich Paul. He argued that such actions undermine the hard work of other young players striving to make it into the league on their own merits.
According to Hunter, this situation exemplifies why many fans prefer Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant over LeBron, as Jordan and Bryant were known for their straightforward, merit-based approaches.
The controversy began when Bronny was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, despite an underwhelming college season at the University of Southern California, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Hunter contends that Bronny’s four-year, $7.9 million contract was not earned through performance but rather facilitated by his father’s influence. This, Hunter believes, is unfair to other aspiring players who work tirelessly to earn their place in the NBA.
Hunter drew a comparison with Michael Jordan, who, despite his immense influence, did not use his power to secure NBA spots for his sons. Jordan’s son, Marcus, played for the University of Central Florida from 2009 to 2012, averaging 12.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Despite decent college stats, Marcus did not pursue a career in the NBA, illustrating Jordan’s belief in earning one’s place through merit.
This situation has sparked debate among fans and analysts. While some argue that Bronny’s potential and LeBron’s mentorship could justify the contract, others see it as an example of nepotism that disrupts the league’s integrity. Hunter’s criticism echoes a broader concern about the influence of star players and their agents in shaping team decisions, which can overshadow the efforts of less connected players.
Bronny’s journey in the NBA will undoubtedly be scrutinized, not just for his performance on the court but also for the implications of how he got there. As Hunter suggests, this controversy could influence perceptions of LeBron and the practices within the league, reinforcing the belief that success should be earned, not given.