Iman Shumpert isn’t buying the hate.
In a recent podcast appearance, the former NBA champ got real about why some people criticize LeBron James for playing alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA.
“People give LeBron a hard time for Bronny ‘cause they’re in the NBA and they can’t put their son there. That’s why you mad.”
Shumpert didn’t mince words—he believes the backlash isn’t about merit, it’s about envy.
“I Was Hating, But I Realized Why”
To make his point, Shumpert took it back to Kobe Bryant’s iconic 2006 playoff buzzer-beater and the celebration that followed.
“We was mad at Kobe… ’cause he did exactly what Mike [Jordan] did.
We all wanted to do that. We did it in our backyard. It’s just Kob did it on the court — and it counted. I was hating, but I realized it was ’cause I wanted to do it.”
It’s a moment of self-awareness that hits home for fans and players alike: sometimes hate is just misplaced admiration.
“It Don’t Matter, He’s My Son”
Shumpert then compared the situation to real life, where people criticize nepotism only when they’re not the ones benefiting from it.
“That random son… now he just put his son there and everybody complaining.
He don’t know what he’s doing, he’s irresponsible.
It don’t matter, he’s my son and he’s running things.”
Bronny’s Rookie Year: Rough Start, Glimpses of Growth
While Bronny James wasn’t expected to shine right away, he showed flashes—especially on March 20 vs. Milwaukee, when he dropped 17 points, 5 assists, and a block on 7-of-10 shooting.
His season averages:
- 2.3 PPG
- 0.7 RPG
- 0.8 APG
…in limited minutes across 27 games.
He also logged meaningful development time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
A Legacy Moment, Whether You Like It or Not
Bronny was a McDonald’s All-American before a heart issue delayed his college career. Now, after being drafted by the Lakers, he’s in the league—alongside one of the greatest to ever do it.
Whether he lives up to the hype or not, as Shumpert sees it, one thing is clear:
“You mad ’cause you can’t do it. That’s why you mad.”
