Bronny James admitted it isn’t easy being the son of a legend. 

LeBron James‘ eldest child, who declared for the 2024 NBA Draft last month, said he’s faced challenges growing up in his dad’s shadow. 

‘It’s tough,’ Bronny said in an interview with NBA Central this week.

‘A lot of criticism gets thrown my way, but you know, I’ve got to deal with it,’ he added. 

‘[My critics] don’t know what I’ve been through … I just try to make the best of [the] opportunities that’s given to me.’ 

Bronny James admitted it’s been ‘tough’ growing up in his dad LeBron James’ shadow

‘A lot of criticism gets thrown my way, but you know, I’ve got to deal with it,’ he said

The 19-year-old guard, who only has one season of college basketball at USC under his belt, also spoke about his decision to jump from the college division to the pros. 

‘You know I always want to end up where I’m happy the most,’ he explained. 

‘[My] mom has always told me you know, “take me where my heart wants me to be,” and I just found happiness in what I’m doing right now, and I feel like that’s where I want myself to be at.’

Bronny was also asked if he had ever considered pursuing a sport other than basketball, to which he replied, ‘no.’ 

‘I mean I’ve played other sports,’ he said. ‘I played soccer. [I] wasn’t allowed to play football. My mom didn’t allow that. So yeah, I’ve always been a sports guy, but basketball was just my cup of tea.’

The 19-year old declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball 

‘I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility,’ he said

Back in April, the college freshman announced his intention to join his dad in the NBA – should he be drafted come June.  

‘I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added growth for me as a man, student and athlete,’ Bronny wrote on Instagram, seemingly referencing the fact he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session in July 2023.

‘I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal,’ he went on.

‘Thank you to USC for an amazing freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.’

Bronny later took part in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago in early May

Despite having his dad’s support, some critics have suggested Bronny isn’t ready to go pro

Although Bronny impressed in multiple areas at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month, there are lingering concerns that he isn’t ready to go pro. 

In an article published in The Ringer, an anonymous NBA general manager remarked that ‘Bronny is nowhere near ready.’

The mystery GM also advised him to ‘go back to school to develop at his own pace or he risks getting lost in the shuffle, whether or not he’s playing with his dad.’ 

LeBron previously voiced his support for his son, telling reporters during the NBA All-Star Game Weekend in February that he was going to ‘let the kid make [his own] decision.’