Adrian Wojnarowski reacts to Lakers drafting Bronny James: 'The NBA is full of nepotism'

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Immediately after the announcement, countless NBA fans flooded social media, claiming the Lakers’ decision was due to nepotism. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski addressed these claims head-on.

“I don’t want to hear the charges, people talking about nepotism. The NBA is full of nepotism,” Wojnarowski said. “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.”

James certainly isn’t the first player fans have accused of benefitting from nepotism in the NBA. Austin Rivers received plenty of criticism for the playing time he received under Doc Rivers. Many fans claim Thanasis Antetokounmpo is only on the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster because his brother is Giannis.

James will receive no shortage of disapproval from fans for his heritage, either. Nonetheless, James undoubtedly showed flashes of NBA promise at the collegiate level.

In just one season at USC, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his 19.4 minutes per game. In his lone campaign with the Trojans, James made six starts and scored double figures on three occasions.

James’ debut at USC was delayed after he suffered cardiac arrest in the summer ahead of the 2023-24 season. He finished the season at USC shooting 36.6% from the floor and 26.7% from beyond the arc.

James played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon (CA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle and the No. 6 ranked point guard, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What are NBA experts saying about Bronny James?

While James’ statistics at the collegiate level don’t pop off the page, NBA experts are confident the 6-foot-2 combo guard can find a role at the next level. Ahead of the draft, Rotowire weighed in on James’ NBA potential.

“James excels in catch-and-shoot situations and shows great energy and instincts on defense,” Rotowire wrote. “At 6-foot-2, he lacks size at the NBA level, but his athleticism is considered elite. James can handle the ball and is a willing passer but isn’t a true point guard.

“James projects to be a 3-and-D player at the NBA level, drawing comparisons to De’Anthony Melton. However, given his lack of experience in college, James may need to develop in the NBA G League. James’ defensive prowess has drawn comparisons to Patrick Beverley and Jrue Holiday, too.”