The recent critique aimed at Bronny James highlights the heightened scrutiny faced by the children of professional athletes. Although James Jr.'s case is unique because of his famous dad—the NBA's all-time leading scorer and four-time champ, LeBron James—it's not just limited to him.
Former NBA veteran Matt Barnes recently spoke out about the challenges of being a former NBA player's son and how players like his sons, Isaiah and Carter, along with Bronny, are under enormous pressure from a young age.
Picking on kids because of their last name
When you're the son of someone who spent many years playing in the big league, people think it gives them a license to comment on every aspect of your game. From criticizing their skills to calling them names, former players' children often face harsh judgments from the public. And with social media making it easier than ever for anyone to share their opinions, these young athletes can't escape the constant critiquing of their games.
"At eight or nine years old, parents cussing the kids out," Barnes, a former NBA champ whose sons are playing for Paul George's youth team, said in an interview with The Athletic.
"When you're a pro's son or a former pro's son, there's a bigger spotlight. There's a lot of people who love you — but there's just as many people who hate you," the feisty forward added.
Barnes' young children aren't the only ones receiving relentless attention. Former All-Star forward Carlos Boozer can also relate, as his sons Cameron and Cayden are highly-touted members of the class of 2025. As a matter of fact, Cameron, a 6-foot-9 forward, is considered by many to be the best high school player in this class.
Carlos, a two-time All-Star, said he and his wife had prepared their sons to block out all the noise and focus on what they do best: hoop.
"We kept preaching that. Don't worry about any of that. Just go hoop," Booz shared.
Aware of what is happening with Bronny
Despite their young age, these new-age hoopers are wise and know what's happening with Bronny and even his younger brother Bryce, who's ranked no. 179 in the 2025 class. James Jr. was selected with the 55th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, but fans and experts critique him as if he was a top-five selection.
"He's still a rookie. He was the 55th pick. I don't know why they're expecting, like, that he's supposed to be the next generational player. He has to become his own player. You have to let that happen," Cayden shared.
Unfortunately for the 19-year-old Bronny, his subpar performance in the recently concluded NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has given critics plenty of ammunition. He averaged a measly 7.0 points on 32 percent shooting, including a woeful 13 percent from three-point land. He also averaged 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Despite his rough performances, former Laker Trevor Ariza praised how the young man has handled all the attention and critiques.
"To be honest with you, he's handled it great, and he's carved and created his own path," the tough 3-and-D wingman said.
Fair or unfair, these kinds of criticisms come with the territory when you are the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. And while it may be frustrating for Bronny or any other son or daughter of a pro athlete, it's also an opportunity to prove themselves on their own merits.
Related: "You can't set a gold standard to bronze standards" - Austin Reaves blasts Bronny James critics
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