Gilbert Arenas has hit back at critics of Bronny James, claiming the media has focused too heavily on LeBron James’ son while overlooking the struggles of other highly drafted players.
Bronny has endured a difficult preseason and is battling for a place in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation.
The scrutiny has been intense since he entered the NBA, with his connection to LeBron regularly becoming part of the conversation.
Arenas believes that attention has been unfair, particularly given Bronny was selected 55th overall rather than near the top of the draft.
Gilbert Arenas calls out media for targeting Bronny James
Arenas used Zaccharie Risacher, who was selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, to make his point about the different levels of scrutiny surrounding young players.
Speaking about the criticism of Bronny, Arenas said: “They were too busy bashing Bronny for nepotism that they forgot there was a number one pick they never even mentioned… Zaccharie Risacher. Yeah, you remember? He got drafted number one. He’s been a__ ever since, so there’s no point in even mentioning him now.”
He continued: “You didn’t want to mention him when he got drafted, when the number one pick was on the line. Y’all went straight to the 55th. Mr. 55th. Y’all went all the way down there for a guy who doesn’t make the team and wasn’t going to play much. You killed him, and a whole number one pick was just chilling and relaxing.”
Arenas has consistently supported Bronny since the youngster entered the league and feels his association with LeBron has made him a bigger story than his draft position would normally warrant.
However, Bronny now faces a crucial season. The Lakers have added Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes while Jaden Hardy is also competing for minutes, leaving the young guard with little margin for error.
With LeBron now in Philadelphia, the father-son dynamic has also changed. Bronny will have to establish himself on the court and prove he belongs in the NBA regardless of how much attention surrounds his famous surname.
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