"You have to be careful": Shannon Sharpe warns LeBron James over statements about Bronny

Like a caring father, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers recently defended his son Bronny after ESPN said that the USC freshman wouldn't likely qualify for the 2024 NBA Draft and would probably be a second-round pick in the 2025 draft instead.

James hopped on Twitter to speak up on behalf of his son, decrying ESPN's mock draft and telling people to simply judge his son based on his output on the court. He then deleted his tweets.

NBA commentator Shannon Sharpe took issue with James' statement and said that he needs to be very careful with the things he says about his son. Sharpe said it's very hard for anyone to follow in their parent's footsteps, especially when that parent is perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time.

“I never forced my kids in any direction,” Sharpe said. “But I think the comparison is going to be there but LeBron has to be careful. When Bronny plays well and LeBron says he is better than some players in the NBA, people are going to remember you said that. That is where you have to be careful.”

In the recent past, LeBron said that his son was capable of playing in the NBA right away. He even said that his son could play with the Lakers right away.

Sharpe understand why James has made these statements but he believes it puts undue pressure on Bronny.

“But I get it, that is his son. What is he supposed to say? He is supposed to believe his son is as good as some NBA players. But you have to be careful with that.” Sharpe said. “LeBron has to understand (Bronny) will get strays because of (LeBron).

The drama around Bronny is sure to continue as the NBA draft approaches. The young player and his family will have to decide if he should play just a one-and-done season with USC or remain for his sophomore year in hopes of enhancing his skills and becoming more appealing to the NBA.