Austin Rivers Thinks Bronny James Will Be Better Off Not Playing With Father in NBA
Amid speculation that Bronny James intends to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and somehow find his way to his
father, LeBron James, about the upcoming season of the Los Angeles Lakers, Rivers clarified why it might not be the best idea for Bronny to have a family reunion in the NBA.
On Monday, Rivers expressed his desire that it doesn’t occur on ESPN. “I really don’t want to watch Bronny play with his dad. I experienced something comparable.Many people begin to question what you’ve accomplished.
Despite the fact that his father, Doc Rivers, coached rather than played with him, Rivers, who has represented seven different NBA teams, understands what it’s like to have a fatherly presence on the court. As a father-son team, Doc and Austin Rivers played four seasons together for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Rivers theorized that Bronny may be better off joining a contender where he can prioritize his own growth and
development, as opposed to joining the Lakers or any other team LeBron chooses, only to be overshadowed by his father and subjected to intense criticism.
“I don’t want that negativity to come his way,” Rivers stated, “about him going and playing with his dad—at this point in his career, just because Bronny’s success is not at a top-tier level—him getting drafted and playing with his dad.” Since he is not deserving of it…I’m hoping he can play somewhere he can carve out a niche for himself.
Right now, the majority of reliable mock drafts anticipate Bronny being left undrafted. In his first season, the Trojans guard has averaged 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
