Why Shaq is “jealous” of LeBron and Bronny James

During his The Big Podcast with co-host Adam Lefkoe, Shaquille O’Neal admitted to having some “professional jealousy” over the idea of ​​LeBron James and Bronny James being the first father-son duo to play in the NBA.

“I am trying hard to get rid of professional jealousy. I’m a little jealous. My son was in this position. Life is about titles. I would have loved to have had this title first. I’m happy for LeBron. He is always in the crib, playing with my boys. He’s like my nephew. I’m happy for him. But on the professional jealousy side, I wish it was me and Shareef or me and Shaqir. But I’m happy for Bronny, I’m happy for LeBron and I wish them well.

It’s been an interesting preseason for Bronny and the Lakers. He made a layup and was heavily fouled by Kevin Durant. He was called for a flagrant 1 and returned his plus/minus with +17 in this game against the Suns.

The Lakers still have one preseason game on their schedule. They play at the Golden State Warriors on Friday, October 18 at 10:30 p.m. EST.

Screening Bronny’s first season with the Lakers

It is assumed that Bronny James will spend most of the 2024-25 season in the G League, but no firm plans have been announced or indicated if he could be part of the Lakers’ rotation.

On ESPN LA at 7:10, Bronny acknowledged that a G League game was likely.

“I know I’m not going to be thrown into the rotation right away. So I accepted this role and I come in and I get better every day and I learn from the vets and the people who are going to receive heavy minutes. I have no problem sitting down and learning those first two years and then progressing from there,” Bronny James said.

But there are plenty of skeptics around the Lakers bubble, according to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.

“The fans’ expectations of Bronny, of LeBron and of Rich Paul don’t match the reality of his game,” said one Eastern Conference executive. “If they had any real idea how far Bronny was, they just wouldn’t have done this.”

“You’re doomed to fail,” said one Eastern Conference scout who has been evaluating Bronny for years. “It’s like, what are the expectations here?”

The Lakers’ regular season begins at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, October 22 at 10:00 p.m. EST.