Reaves wants fans to let Bronny grow as a player without putting so much pressure on him.
Since he entered the NBA, Bronny James has been a constant subject of discussion within the basketball world. From being selected as the No. 55 pick in this year’s draft to displaying inconsistent performances in the Summer League, fans have been harsh on the Los Angeles Lakers rookie.
But unlike most who are quick to criticize Bronny, Austin Reaves wants people to take it easy with the 19-year-old and give him time to prove his worth in the league.
Let the kid grow
Being the son of LeBron James is both a blessing and a curse for Bronny. While it guaranteed (arguably unwarranted) hype and attention, it also made him the No.1 target for public scrutiny. Still, the reality is that James Jr. isn’t as talented as his father and that it’ll probably take him years to find his footing in the Association.
That’s why Reaves offered Bronny words of support as he continued the grind to make a name for himself outside of his father’s towering shadow.
“I’m excited to play alongside him. He’s always going to get a bad rep for multiple reasons. He’s Bron’s son, so people are going to expect high-level things from him. You’ve just got to let the kid grow. Let him be his own self,” AR said. “You can’t set a gold standard to bronze standards. It’s hard to live up to anybody or any sport. So if there’s anything I can do to help him, you know like I said earlier, [but] I don’t know if my dad was LeBron, I’d be listening to Austin Reaves. But this is super cool, and I can’t wait to get to know him.”
Bronny can relate to Reaves
Bronny can use Reaves’ path as a potential blueprint for attaining success in the league. Coming into the NBA as a skinny, undrafted player from Arkansas, Austin is now reaping the fruits of his hard work and dedication as a vital piece of one of the league’s most prestigious franchises. The same could be the case for James Jr. if he continues to put the work in.
Bronny shouldn’t care about matching his father’s greatness. What’s more important for him is to seize every moment and make the most of his opportunities to develop as a player. That should be enough for him to make a name for himself in the Association.