When the story of Bronny James‘ career is written, moments like these will be impossible to ignore.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 55 overall in 2024, Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been anything but smooth. Health scares, public skepticism, and whispers of nepotism have trailed him like shadows. Even flashes of brilliance — a career-high 39 points in the G League, back-to-back NBA call-ups — have struggled to mute the critics.
And now? The comparisons found a new, uncomfortable edge.
It started when Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s star quarterback once projected as a first-round NFL pick, slid past Day 1. Then Day 2. As Round 3 closed without his name called, NFL fans flooded social media — and somehow, Bronny James became collateral damage.
Because just like Bronny, Shedeur carries a famous last name. And just like Bronny, he’s learning how heavy that crown can be. But as the spotlight shifted and emotions ran high, a deeper story was waiting to unfold.
Bronny entered the NBA world burdened by accusations that he only made it because of LeBron. Despite solid performances at the NBA Draft Combine and an impressive G League stint where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, the skepticism lingered. Some applauded his work ethic; others branded him “the ultimate nepo baby.”
The conversation around Bronny James’ NBA future took a sharp turn when Stephen A. Smith used his platform on First Take to deliver a passionate, pointed plea to LeBron James. After a particularly rough outing against the Philadelphia 76ers—one that ended in a lopsided loss and Bronny’s struggles on full display—Smith didn’t mince words.
“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”
Stephen A. wasn’t attacking Bronny personally, but he made it clear: the 19-year-old wasn’t ready. With NBA stats like 1.4 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in just 4.2 minutes per game over 18 appearances, Smith urged LeBron to send his son to the G League—a space where he could grow without the weight of NBA-level scrutiny. In his view, the real issue wasn’t Bronny’s talent, but the situation created around him, one that was inevitably set up for criticism.
Meanwhile, Shedeur’s path twisted cruelly. A quarterback who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns behind one of college football’s worst offensive lines, he still found NFL teams unwilling to call his name through three rounds. Analysts like Dan Orlovsky openly questioned his leadership skills, and suddenly, Shedeur’s famous father felt less like a boost and more like a burden.
And fans never miss connecting the dots. As the third round of the NFL Draft ended and the timeline exploded — Bronny’s name lit up — for all the wrong reasons.
“Bronny really got drafted higher than Shedeur Sanders ,” tweeted @LakeShowYo, racking up thousands of retweets within minutes.
Bronny really got drafted higher than Shedeur Sanders
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 26, 2025
The message was loud, even if not entirely fair: even amid Shedeur’s disappointment, Bronny was still seen as the “poster child” for nepotism gone wrong.
Adding to the irony was LeBron James himself. Earlier in the college season, LeBron had championed Shedeur, posting “Shedeur to Hunter for 6!” and aligning himself with the Sanders hype. But when Shedeur slid out of Round 1, then Round 2, then Round 3, LeBron’s once-vocal support turned silent. No tweets. No emojis. No rallying cries.
Instead, frustration poured out from his confidant Cuffs the Legend, who posted:
“If Shedeur Sanders’ dad was a deadbeat dad and he was locked up on Death Row with 90 days left before his execution they would have the softest piano and harps playing in that background music when they call his name on draft day. They nitpicking that kid to death because they f——- hate his Daddy!”
The reaction wasn’t just about Shedeur. It tapped into something deeper — a growing unease about how legacy, perception, and parental influence shape the future of young athletes.
When the name on your jersey isn’t enough — Fan reaction exposes deeper frustrations
If Bronny thought his recent progress would silence the doubters, tonight proved otherwise.
“Sadly Bronny Jr will get more playing time even if Shedeur gets drafted. Make this make sense!” lamented another fan, a direct jab at Bronny’s limited NBA role despite his high G League stats.
It’s not a new storyline. Critics have long pointed to Bronny’s 2.3 points per game average at the NBA level as evidence that he “doesn’t belong,” no matter what the G League tape shows.
Even the memes rolled in. “Nepotism works in mysterious ways,” one user posted, paired with a photo of Bronny in a Lakers jersey.
Feb 20, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with his son guard Bronny James (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Still, not every comment was mean-spirited. Some fans, reminded everyone that “Brock Purdy was drafted last,” a reminder that draft position doesn’t seal your fate. Talent, perseverance, and opportunity still matter — if you get the chance.
But the overall narrative was clear: Bronny remains the face of a generation’s skepticism around inherited opportunity, and Shedeur’s struggles only magnified the resentment. Another fan, piled on: “Shedeur wishing his dad is LeBron too so he would have been drafted by NFL teams .”
The comparison cuts deeper than a single night’s emotions.
Even Deion Sanders, never one to back down, made his feelings clear. After ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky critiqued Shedeur’s leadership, Deion fired back bluntly on X: “Yes he did. Wow!” — calling Orlovsky a “hater” without hesitation.
And that’s where the contrast sharpens. Deion, fiery and combative, wears his emotions on his sleeve. LeBron, more strategic, leverages legacy, relationships, and branding to quietly create doors for Bronny. Different styles. Same stakes.
Deion’s public battles may have amplified scrutiny around Shedeur — painting him, fairly or not, as entitled or defensive. LeBron’s quieter, behind-the-scenes pressure may have opened doors for Bronny — but left him permanently battling charges of favoritism and privilege.
In the end, both sons carry not only the weight of expectation — but the consequences of their fathers’ reputations. For Bronny, tonight wasn’t about football. It was a brutal reminder: every missed shot, every quiet night, every step forward will forever be judged through the prism of his last name.
And for LeBron? His silence amid Shedeur’s slide speaks volumes. Even the most powerful voices can’t fully shield their sons from public reckoning — not in the NBA, not in the NFL, not anywhere. As for Shedeur Sanders? With four rounds left in the NFL Draft, his story isn’t finished. But whether it’s Bronny in a Lakers jersey or Shedeur waiting by the phone, the truth remains:
Legacy might get you in the door.
But staying inside? That’s a different battle entirely.
The post Bronny James’ Dark Days Revived As LeBron’s Campaign For Sheduer Sanders Fails After NFL Draft Round 3 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
