The Los Angeles Lakers controversially selected Bronny James at the 2024 NBA Draft. Lakers legend Michael Cooper weighed in on the decision.

In an offseason highlighted by the Olympics and the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to avoid criticism. Few decisions have been quite as controversial as the perceived unwillingness to maximize the remaining potential of the Anthony Davis and LeBron James pairing.

For as much flack as the Lakers have caught for not signing a new player, no decision created as much of a media frenzy as the selection of Bronny James at the 2024 NBA Draft.

James entered the NBA Draft after a statistically underwhelming freshman season with the USC Trojans. He’s an intriguing prospect due to his athleticism and willingness to defend, but most jumped to the conclusion that he was a nepotism acquisition due to the fact that his father is LeBron James.

In an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Lakers legend Michael Cooper dismissed the idea that the franchise drafting James was a bad decision.

“When you’re that good, people try to find little knicks and knacks about you, but this is not about nepotism at all. It’s about drafting a young player that could definitely help the Lakers in the long run, and he happens to have the name James.”

It’s no surprise that one of the greatest on-ball defenders in NBA history would be more open to a player who wants to play defense than others.

Michael Cooper defends the Lakers drafting Bronny James

Cooper, who was selected at No. 60 overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, played for the Lakers between 1978 and 1990. He helped Los Angeles win five championships, thriving as the primary on-ball defender throughout the Showtime era.

In the process, Cooper won the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award and earned eight All-Defense honors, including five First Team selections.

That likely plays a part in Cooper being intrigued by the selection of Bronny James. James, who’s still just 19 years of age, has been open about his intention to become a defensive-minded player at the next level.

Some of the players whom James has said he’s patterning his game after include Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell, and Derrick White.

With the intention to prioritize defense, James has set himself down a path that could lead to regular playing time. He’ll need to refine his jump shot, but players who are willing to get their hands dirty on defense typically last in the NBA.

That’s exactly what helped Cooper carve out a 12-year career, during which he played winning basketball by prioritizing defense above all else.

The Lakers have invested in James’ development into a quality defender with a four-year contract. He’ll thus be given ample opportunity to prove that his medically impacted freshman season was a flash in the pan, and that he’s instead every bit the part of the compelling player he appeared to be in high school.

If nothing else, James has a legendary supporter as he looks to follow in the footsteps of the great Michael Cooper as a defensive specialist in Los Angeles.