Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade is making it known he is not a fan of how some in sports media have approached their coverage of first-year NBA prospect Bronny James. Wade discussed the 20-year-old second-round draft pick and how he feels he’s been unfairly scrutinized on the latest episode of Wade’s podcast ‘The Check In,’ calling for calm and patience instead of baiting for clicks.
“They have no patience with this young man,” Wade stated. “They have no patience with him, and it sucks because they’re acting like it’s the talent only. It’s not the talent only, it’s he’s good for business.”
James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was drafted with the 55th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft after playing a single season at Southern Cal, averaging 4.8 points and just over two assists per game. Being the son of an NBA legend brought heightened attention during the ramp-up for the NBA Draft, where some analysts projected the younger James as a top-ten draft selection.
After being selected in the second round of the NBA Draft, Bronny’s father, LeBron, signed a two-year agreement to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, coinciding with his son also coming to an agreement with the organization just two days earlier.
Dwyane Wade believes there is too much focus on the negatives regarding Bronny James’ path to the NBA, and instead, there should be more praise for James’ growth as a player for his production in the NBA G-League.
“What I’m saying is there are other narratives that can be pushed,” Wade stated. “Give him a little bit more grace and appreciate what he’s been able to build for himself.”
Wade went on to say that it’s unfair how the media’s coverage is treating Bronny James in the same manner as his father, empathizing with the 20-year-old prospect and appreciating how he’s handled the pressures of growing into his own self.
“It’s hilarious,” said Wade. “Y’all cover him like he is his dad. He’s a 20-year-old kid who’s the 55th pick in the draft that is gonna take time to develop.”
Bronny James currently is playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G-League, averaging 17.3 points and 4.1 assists per game and has played in 17 games for the Lakers this season.
“I can’t imagine what it’s like to pick up your phone and hear all this negativity when you out there trying to chase your dreams as a young kid,” said Dwyane Wade. “Because your dad is LeBron James, and I understand it that, you know what comes with it. I’m not saying no one should cover and talk about the James family, but like, come on, dog.”
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