LeBron James Shares How Son Bronny Really Feels About Constant Criticism

Does all the negative background noise regarding Bronny James being drafted by the L.A. Lakers affect him? His father, NBA star LeBron James has the answer and recently shared some insight into how Bronny is handling his new life as an NBA rookie.

LeBron recently shared a little peek into his 19-year-old son's mindset as a newly drafted NBA player amid negative chatter.

After Bronny's debut in the NBA during a Summer League game, criticism, negativity, and claims of nepotism from many basketball fans were heard loud and clear. But LeBron said his son "doesn't care."

"I don't know if people really understand Bronny. He doesn't care," LeBron told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I actually cared a little bit when I came in [as a rookie]. I wanted people to like me and some of the things that people were saying about me kind of bothered me early on in my career. I let it get to me. Bronny doesn't give a f---."

He further explained that Bronny "works his tail off" and when he's done working, he plays video games and simply "does not care about nobody."

"He doesn't even listen to that stuff. He's like the coolest," he continued. "He's like the complete opposite of his dad. His dad will say something. Bro does not care. Everything that's being said about him, he really does not care."

LeBron also painted a picture of Bronny's mindset for fans.

"Just imagine if you were a kid, you were born into a situation where your dad was super famous, super wealthy, and you the kid still had the drive to want to be able to accomplish things for yourself," LeBron told ESPN. "I personally don't know if I would've been able to do that if the roles were reversed."

LeBron said that when he was growing up, he had "no choice." But that's not how he views things for his son.

"I had to make it out for me. My mom, my family, my hometown, my city. Bronny has all the choices in the world," he said. "If Bronny wants to stop right now or never played basketball or just wanted to be a gamer or wanted to be a chef or wanted to be nothing to whatever, he could have done that."

Bronny isn't the only one excited about being drafted by the Lakers. His father is more than just proud. While chatting with Craig Melvin on "Today," LeBron shared his feelings about resigning with the Lakers and getting the opportunity to share the court with his son.

"When it comes to basketball, it's the greatest accomplishment that I've ever had," LeBron said. "There's no greater accomplishment that will be able to overtake me being on the same floor as my son. it's the greatest thing that's ever happened."

Shortly after Bronny was drafted, LeBron resigned with the Lakers, making the father-son duo the first to play in the league at the same time. They also make history playing on the same team when the season begins in October.

Bronny made his highly anticipated debut in the league on Saturday during the California Classic Summer League. He finished his first game with 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. During the postgame press conference, he told reporters that the pace of the game was different than what he was used to in college.

"To be honest, the college game is much faster," he said. "I feel like, really prepared me for what was to come and I felt comfortable while I was out there."

Bronny has been met with tons of criticism and negativity on social media since being drafted. In the comment section of a post on the NBA's Instagram page, many viewers shared negative thoughts about the rookie.

"Apart from that shot, Bronny shooting terrible. Bro also missed both of his free throws," one person wrote. Another added, "Must be nice to be in the working world and still have everything handed to you."

Despite the negative comments, there were also tons of positive thoughts.

"Give him time and he’ll be more than fine," one person wrote. Another shared, "He’s going to be alright. He plays the right way, lets the game come to him. He’ll have an adjustment period but I think he’ll prove himself to be a valuable piece to a contender."

Last summer, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest while at basketball practice at USC.

"Yesterday while practicing, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. The medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in the ICU," a spokesperson revealed the day following the cardiac arrest.

It was unclear what caused the medical issue at the time, but was later determined that Bronny had a treatable congenital heart defect. A few months after a successful surgery, Bronny was able to return to the court and had his debut USC game in December.