TNT (DR) / NBA (DR)

With the Lakers’ season just a month away, the Bronny James case is still a hot topic in the NBA ranks. Already vocal about the subject a few weeks ago, Shaquille O’Neal brought it up again with a strong speech about the rookie.

Given last year’s surprises and the various moves that have taken place this summer, the Western Conference is unlikely to be short of stories to follow this season.

However, it’s not certain that none of them have made more headlines in the NBA than the arrival of Bronny James to the Lakers.

All eyes will be on LeBron’s eldest son in the months to come, including those of league legends.

Shaquille O’Neal’s clear desire for Bronny James

If only because of his father’s exposure or the unique aspect in the history of the duo he is about to form with him, Bronny has fueled almost every discussion since his draft.

Shaquille O’Neal, for example, couldn’t help but express himself on this issue and had delivered remarks full of kindness towards the young guard .

Something he recently reiterated in The OG’s podcast :

Shaquille O’Neal: Little Bronny is my “nephew.” I’m happy for him and I wish him nothing but the best. I know his work ethic.

There’s a lot of gossip about him, both positive and negative, and I just hope everything works out for him.

I just had Marlon Wayans on my podcast and he was saying that all he wants is for his kids to be happy, and I want Bronny to be happy.

Once this will was reaffirmed, Diesel launched into a parallel between the Angelino rookie and his own son, Shareef, whose trajectory turns out to be somewhat similar:

Shaquille O’Neal: I kind of know what he’s going through because my son, Shareef, was a good player, he had a heart attack and he’s still trying to make it in the league.

The thing about these kids is they have a lot of pressure because of their last name. Him and Bronny, they don’t even get the opportunity to do what they want without being constantly compared to their dads. But like I always say, we don’t need another basketball player in our family. All we need is for our kids to be happy. (…)

So my wish for Bronny is for him to be happy. I hate what’s being said about him, the accusations of nepotism — none of that stuff matters. He’s in the NBA, so I want him to be happy and to be successful.

While waiting for Opening Night, Bronny will already have the opportunity to reassure his self-proclaimed uncle with a good pre-season debut from October 4.

Aware of the weight of expectations that weighs on Bronny James, Shaquille O’Neal takes the example of his son Shareef to side with him. He hopes that his heavy family name will not have an influence on his performance, or on his happiness.