Former Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers recently shared his thoughts on Bronny James joining his father, LeBron James, on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bronny, drafted 55th overall by the Lakers, has faced accusations of nepotism, but Chalmers dismissed such claims and praised the James family.
Chalmers, speaking to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Radio, applauded LeBron James for keeping himself in shape and Bronny for reaching the NBA level. “I salute Bron and his son,” said Chalmers, acknowledging the rare opportunity for a father and son to play together in the league.
“I have no problem at all,” Chalmers continued. “I think it’s a perfect opportunity. History has been made, more importantly, Black history has been made.” His comments come amid ongoing debates about whether Bronny’s draft position was influenced by his father’s influence rather than his on-court performance.
Criticism has followed Bronny since his college career at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points per game, ranking eighth on the team in scoring. Despite this, Chalmers sees Bronny’s rise to the NBA as an achievement worth celebrating.
Bronny’s performance in the NBA Summer League also drew scrutiny. He averaged 8.8 points per game while shooting 35% from the field and just 15.8% from beyond the arc. However, Chalmers believes that the opportunity for Bronny to play alongside his father is more significant than the early criticisms.
Some experts have accused LeBron and his agent, Rich Paul, of using their influence to force the Lakers’ hand in drafting Bronny. However, Chalmers rejected these claims, emphasizing that the James family is simply looking out for Bronny’s best interests.
“I salute them for even having a chance,” Chalmers remarked, expressing admiration for the hard work it took for both father and son to reach this point in their careers. He also praised LeBron for being able to remain at a high level physically, allowing this father-son NBA pairing to become a reality.
Bronny’s selection by the Lakers comes after a year filled with expectations and challenges. Although his stats at USC and in the Summer League may not have been eye-catching, Chalmers’ endorsement highlights the positive aspects of the situation and the potential for growth as Bronny adjusts to life in the NBA.
As the 2024–25 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see how Bronny fits alongside his father and the rest of the team.
