In a move that has stirred controversy, Bronny James, son of outspoken NBA star LeBron James, was drafted 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. The pick has ignited accusations of nepotism and abuse of power, with former NBA player Steven Hunter taking to social media to voice his concerns.

Steven Hunter, who played in the NBA from 2001 to 2010, did not mince words in his critique of LeBron James. In a fiery social media post, Hunter accused LeBron of leveraging his influence to secure a favorable draft position and a lucrative contract for his son, Bronny—terms that Hunter argues are far beyond what a late second-round pick typically receives.

“For those that don’t know… Late second-round picks don’t get guarantees (especially before summer league),” Hunter began his post, pointing out the unusual nature of Bronny’s contract. He emphasized that Bronny’s deal, which includes a guaranteed roster spot for four years, is virtually unheard of for someone drafted so late. “This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry,” Hunter added, suggesting that Bronny’s position and contract were the result of his father’s influence rather than his own merit.

Hunter did not stop there. He went on to accuse LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul of abusing their power, calling the contract a “slap in the face” to young athletes who work tirelessly to earn their spot in the NBA. “It’s sneaky Hollywood stuff like this that turns a lot of people off about LeBron,” Hunter asserted, highlighting a sentiment shared by many who feel that the NBA should remain a meritocratic system.

Comparing LeBron to other NBA legends, Hunter argued that neither Michael Jordan nor Kobe Bryant would have manipulated the system to benefit their children. “Trust me, MJ could’ve gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that,” Hunter wrote, praising Jordan and Bryant for their integrity.

Hunter concluded his post by clarifying that his issue is not with Bronny himself but with the perceived manipulation of the league. “Not taking anything away from Bronny, nor am I upset at Bronny… Just know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it truly takes to get there.”

The controversy surrounding Bronny James’ draft pick raises questions about the influence of high-profile players in the NBA and the fairness of the draft process. While some see LeBron’s actions as a father supporting his son, others view it as an overreach of power that undermines the hard work of countless young athletes striving to achieve their dreams.

As the upcoming season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bronny James to see if he can prove his critics wrong and demonstrate that he deserves his spot in the league based on talent and hard work. Until then, the debate over nepotism and fairness in professional sports continues to rage.

Watch Bronny’s performance on the court and judge for yourself whether his draft position was earned or influenced by his father’s legacy.