The Staples Center crowd buzzed as Bronny James stepped onto the court on January 28, debuting his signature logo on his Nike LeBron Witness 9 PE sneakers, but not everyone is overly impressed with the Los Angeles Lakers youngster.
Bronny has been part of several Nike initiatives. The player-exclusive colorway of the LeBron NXXT Genesis sneaker, retailing around $170, was tied to his identity but separate from LeBron‘s main line. It wasn’t a full signature shoe yet.
Before entering the NBA, Bronny signed an NIL deal with Nike, rare for a player pre-professional debut. Drafted 55th overall in 2024, he spent a year at USC averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Critics labeled his Lakers selection “nepotism,” suggesting the team wanted to keep LeBron in LA, and fans immediately took to X.com, formerly Twitter, questioning the timing, suggesting he hasn’t earned the right to launch his own line as he put up eight points on Wednesday night.
One user wrote, “Mannnn if I speak. Amen Thompson don’t have one but Bronny does ????”
Another noted, “Never knew he had a shoe deal, but hey-others have enjoyed nepotism for centuries.”
A third fan defended Bronny, saying, “Crazy how fast people talk. Kid just debuted a logo before most players even get a real chance to carve their own lane. Whether you rate him or not, the branding is already moving.”
For what it’s worth, NBA insider Ramona Shelburne said on the Mason & Ireland Show that LeBron didn’t request the draft pick, although she thinks it was used to keep the veteran four-time champion around.
Lakers come up short vs Cavaliers as LeBron heads home
Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points, Jaylon Tyson added 20, and Cleveland Cavaliers used a huge third quarter to beat the Lakers 129-99, spoiling LeBron James‘ return to Northeast Ohio.
De’Andre Hunter contributed 19 points, and Jarrett Allen had 17 points with nine rebounds to push the Cavaliers to a season-best fifth straight win.
LeBron scored just 11 points, going 3-of-10 from the field and 0-of-3 on 3-pointers, marking his lowest output in Cleveland in 13 visits. The 41-year-old teared up during a timeout when the Cavaliers showed highlights of his 25-point streak in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals.
Next Games: Lakers vs Cavaliers
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points but tweaked his ankle and missed six first-quarter minutes. Cleveland led 57-55 at halftime, then outscored LA 42-22 in the third, fueled by a 25-8 run.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 3-2 on their seven-game road trip, while the Cavaliers improved to 6-22 in three-point shooting in the first half, then 7-11 in the third, controlling the game’s pace.
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