2 Chainz Shuts Down ‘Nepotism’ Talks Around LeBron James and Bronny

2 Chainz did not hold back against the constant critcism the Lakers' LeBron James and Bronny James have faced on the Club Shay Shay podcast.

2 Chainz Shuts Down ‘Nepotism’ Talks Around LeBron James and Bronny

LeBron James, 2 Chainz and Bronny James

Since entering the NBA, Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, has been the target of harsh criticism and accusations of nepotism. The critique is based on the belief that Bronny’s father’s status and notoriety significantly impacted his decision to join the league and his role on the Lakers. However, famous rapper 2 Chainz had a clear opinion on this matter.

2 Chainz recently appeared on the Club Shay Shay podcast alongside host Shannon Sharpe. The two discussed various matters, but the one that caught the attention of the NBA world was his take regarding Bronny James. The rapper clearly stated that James did nothing wrong in terms of his son entering into the NBA to play for the Lakers.

Im going to show you what nepotism look like when my kid get old!… He did nothing wrong when actually you’re seeing a whole other side when Bronny been playing in the G-League…dawg he’s a different player already and that’s what happens, its life.”

2 Chainz said

Also, 2 Chainz is not the only one to back the James duo. In the past, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also made his views clear regarding the ‘Nepotism’ allegations towards James. Speaking on the OGs Podcast, the NBA icon underlined that Bronny James will always be under a lot of pressure because of his “last name.” However, he also stated that ‘he hates the nepotism talk.’

It’s also important to note that the Lakers’ youngster has not had anything easy, especially regarding his health. James suffered a heart attack during his initial year at USC. The guard missed five months of action as a result before he made his collegiate debut. He couldn’t, however, get his footing. He shot 36% from the field and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Per his numbers, Bronny James did not have a great rookie season for the Lakers. Over 6.7 minutes per game in 27 games, Bronny James concluded the 2024–25 season with averages of 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, 0.7 rebounds, 0.3 three-pointers, and 0.3 steals.

But for a young player like him, he has all the time to develop and prove his naysayers wrong. So it remains to be seen how he performs in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

Not the FIRST time a music artist came in support for Bronny James and LeBron James

In response to criticism of Bronny James’ NBA debut, well-known American rapper Rick Ross also defended him. Ross stated on social media that the majority of NBA fans “make him sick” by expressing such opinions about a child. Additionally, according to Ross, Bronny James is superior to “95% of players in the league.”

Nepotism-Nepotism. You all making me sick, every two years you’all coming up with a new word. ‘The Narrative’, ‘Toxicity’, ‘Toxic’, now it is Nepotism. 85% all you motherfers got a job by somebody you know. Little Bronny is a bigger star than 95% of the motherf***ers in the league man.

Rick Ross said

Ross condemned the frequent usage of terms like “nepotism” and voiced his disapproval of these accusations. He argued that many people who criticize James Jr. for benefiting from his father’s connections occasionally neglect to point out the benefits they have received similarly. Many like Ross are hoping that Bronny proves everyone wrong and puts an end to these conversations quickly.

An NBA executive shared his take on the Bronny James-Lakers situation ahead of next season

Although he didn’t have the best start to his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James did show some potential in the latter part of his rookie campaign. A Western Conference executive thinks the Lakers want James to be in the rotation for the upcoming campaign after he had several strong performances and impressed in the G League.

I don’t think there’s any doubt that’s their plan,” “I know the guy gets a lot of grief because of who his dad is, but we’ve seen a lot of tape on (Bronny) and the fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July.

One Western Conference executive said

It is undeniable that James made significant progress, especially since his time in the G-League. The early signals were so dismal that the Lakers were condemned for picking the former USC guard as the 55th pick during the 2024 NBA Draft.

Also Read: