JJ Redick refutes claims of nepotism in the L.A. Lakers' selection of Bronny James: "Bronny has earned this through hard work"

When the Los Angeles Lakers announced they were selecting LeBron James Jr . with the 55th pick in this year's NBA Draft, a lot of people were up in arms, asking, 'How could a player who averaged 4.8 points on subpar shooting percentages end up on one of the NBA's most illustrious teams?'

Experts and critics quickly pointed to the influence the team's star, LeBron James , wielded over the organization, which could have been a major reason for the Lakers' selection of his eldest son. However, JJ Redick , the Purple and Gold's newly appointed head coach refuted any claims of nepotism, emphasizing the fairness of the selection process and that Bronny has earned his spot on the team.

Bronny deserves this

The Lakers recently introduced their two rookies, Bronny and Dalton Knecht, in a press conference on Tuesday. At that same event, Redick stressed that James Jr. made it to this level on his own merit and not for anything else.

"Rob (Pelinka) and I did not give Bronny anything. Bronny has earned this. Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny has earned this through his hard work," the former NBA sharpshooter turned broadcaster turned head coach shared .

JJ added that while the Lakers still have numerous veteran stars to push the team in its drive toward another NBA title, it's crucial to develop the team's young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino, Knecht, and Bronny.

"For us, prioritizing player development, we view Bronny as case study 1 because of his baseline level of feel, athleticism, point of attack defending, shooting, passing. There's a lot to like about his game," Redick added. "As we sort of build out our player development program holistically, he's going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player."

Although the Lakers still have "The King" and many-time All-Star Anthony Davis leading the Purple and Gold, the team's lack of youth and athleticism has been glaring the last few seasons. Bronny, who stands 6-foot-1 and takes after his dad's incredible athleticism, could help fill that void and bring a new dynamic to the squad.

Related: Michael Jordan opens up about his older brother Larry not making the NBA: "He has always been a good player, but he just didn't grow enough"

Bronny to sign a multi-year deal

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the younger James is expected to sign a multi-year guaranteed rookie contract with the Lakers, which is a surprising albeit exciting move for the organization. This means that Bronny will be locked in with the Purple and Gold for at least a few years, giving him time to grow and develop with the aid of his father, who is also expected to sign a new contract with the L.A. team in the next week.

This development is intriguing, considering that players who get picked in the second round usually do not receive guaranteed pacts. They typically have to go through a difficult route involving playing well in the NBA Summer League and then training camp. However, Bronny's agent, Rich Paul, recently clarified that his client would not be signing any two-way deal.

"Yes, that's absolutely true," Rich Paul told the Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. "Teams know that. I'm not doing that."

While Bronny has a lot to prove, his talent and determination are undeniable. His last name may bring added pressure, but he is ready to show the world that he belongs in the NBA.

Related: "That's dope. I get to play with my son" - Paul George believes LeBron James' getting to play with Bronny is another notch in his legacy