Lakers Owner Finally Breaks Silence on Why Team Drafted Bronny James

Nearly six weeks after the Los Angeles Lakers drafted 19-year-old point guard Bronny James, son of superstar LeBron James, team owner Jeanie Buss made her first public comments about drafting the polarizing prospect.

During an interview with Kids Sports Reporters, Buss was asked how the youngest James will fit in with the Lakers during his rookie season, to which she had some complimentary things to say.

“He is already one of the hardest working guys on the team,” Buss said. “He participated in Summer League over the summer, he’s a fellow Trojan — so I like that. I think he is going to work hard and be a big contributor this year. And certainly his dad, thrilled to be his teammate. And I think people are very interested to watch them together on the court.”

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Buss, who’s also a USC alum, doesn’t appear to be bothered by the claims of nepotism that followed the Lakers’ drafting Bronny. In fact, she seemed to relish the fact that LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo in NBA history to play on the same team.

Though Bronny is very much a work-in-progress, the Lakers seemingly have big plans for him. Though L.A.’s Summer League team went 3-5, Bronny seemed to get better with each game he played, averaging six points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 32.7% from the field and just 13% from 3-point range.

He’ll spend the season in the G League with the Lakers bringing him along gradually and developing him at unhurried pace.

Related: Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Puts Lakers Player On Blast For Bronny James Criticism