Bronny James Opens Up About Controversial First Season in NBA: ‘People Think I’m a F—ing Robot’

Bronny James Reflects on a Challenging Debut Season in the NBA

Bronny James, the son of basketball legend LeBron James, has recently opened up about facing criticism during his first season in the NBA. The 20-year-old athlete shared his thoughts on managing the pressure and scrutiny that come with being in the spotlight, especially as the son of such a prominent figure in the basketball world. In a candid interview with The Athletic, Bronny discussed how he navigates the criticisms and stays focused on his journey in the league.

Despite the constant chatter questioning his presence in the NBA solely due to nepotism, Bronny James remains resilient and positive. He admitted that while he tries to brush off the negative comments and stay focused on his game, there are times when the criticism serves as fuel for him to push harder and strive for improvement. Bronny explained, “I see everything that people are saying, and people think, like, I’m a f—ing robot, like I don’t have any feelings or emotions.”

The young athlete shared that he uses the harsh words as motivation to put in extra work and dedication to his craft. Bronny described his daily routine, which typically starts early in the morning at the practice facility, juggling his playing time between the Lakers and their G League team. Despite the challenges of balancing his commitments, Bronny remains committed to honing his skills and growing as a player.

Bronny also touched on his relationship with his father, LeBron James, who has been a guiding force in his basketball career. He acknowledged that due to their busy schedules, they don’t always get to work out together but look forward to spending more time training during the offseason. The bond between father and son extends beyond the court, with LeBron expressing his pride in playing alongside Bronny in the NBA, calling it his “number one accomplishment.”

The spotlight on Bronny and LeBron James intensified earlier this month when ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith revealed a heated exchange with LeBron over criticisms of Bronny’s performance. Despite the public nature of the confrontation, Smith expressed understanding and empathy towards LeBron’s perspective, acknowledging the emotions involved in defending his son. The incident shed light on the challenges of navigating fame and scrutiny within the NBA.

Bronny James’ journey in the NBA has been closely followed since he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 draft. As the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously, the James family continues to make history in the basketball world. Bronny’s perseverance and dedication to his craft serve as a testament to his passion for the game and his determination to carve out his own legacy in the sport.

As Bronny James navigates the highs and lows of his debut season in the NBA, his resilience and commitment to growth shine through. Despite the criticisms and scrutiny that come with his surname, Bronny remains focused on his development as a player and looks ahead to a future filled with opportunities to showcase his talent on the court. The journey of Bronny James in the NBA is not just about living up to a name but forging his path towards success in the basketball world.