Big3 founder Ice Cube couldn’t be bothered by the nepotism buzz surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to take Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A lot of people have been giving LeBron James a hard time because of the Lakers’ move, with many complaining that Bronny doesn’t deserve a roster spot on an NBA team.
The Lakers took Bronny with the No. 55 overall pick in the draft despite the youngster averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his one-and-done season with USC. To put that into perspective, Boogie Ellis—USC’s top player who averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 2023-24—went undrafted.
Despite the nepotism criticisms thrown at LeBron and the Lakers, however, Ice Cube expressed his belief that there’s nothing wrong if the superstar forward used his influence to bring his son to the NBA.
At the end of the day, LeBron is still a father who only wants what’s best for his son.
“It don’t matter. The thing is a father SHOULD help they son to get to the next level whether it’s basketball or a business or it’s a job… wherever you can help your own family, you gotta do it,” Ice Cube told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Scoop B Radio.
For what it’s worth, a lot of people have defended LeBron James and the Lakers amid the Bronny James hate they are getting. Before Ice Cube’s take, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN emphasized that nepotism is nothing new in the NBA. The veteran reporter pointed out that it’s unfair to criticize LeBron when everyone in the league is doing it.
“I don’t want to hear the charges, people talking about nepotism. The NBA is full of nepotism,” Woj said during the NBA Draft.
“The ownership level, front offices, coaching. I don’t want to hear about it all of a sudden because Bronny James’ father plays for the Lakers. It is rampant in this league.”
Jul 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) competes against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center.© Lucas Peltier–USA TODAY Sports
For what it’s worth, the James family has been unbothered by the said narrative, and so have the Lakers. Unfortunately for them, until Bronny proves himself in the NBA, such talks won’t end.
