Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Bronney James has been at the centre of debate since the moment he was drafted in June.
The 20-year-old said he was trying to filter it all out, but he's watching it all.
“My first thought is, I go through one ear, the other, my head bows and come to work, I get positive every day. But sometimes it's trying to fuel me a little. I see everything people say.
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“But I take it, I go outside, wake up every day, get to the gym early, watch extra movies every day, watch every day, watch every day, use it as fuel to get better.
James has floated between the NBA and the G-League this season. In 22 NBA games, James averaged only 2.3 points per game, but recently received more play time due to the Lakers injury.
The Lakers were plundered 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and were defeated due to injuries. His dads, LeBron James (gro diameter), Luka Donsic (right ankle), Austin Reeves (right ankle), Louis Hachimura (patella), Dorian Finney Smith (left ankle), and Jarred Vanderbilt (right gro) all came out.
James took advantage of the opportunity alongside many of the Lakers stars. The 20-year-old scored 17 points, the first time he had reached double digits in his young NBA career.
Lakers' Bronnie James sets career-highs with scores on an impressive show
However, while James has produced more recently, he went scoreless in the Jan. 29 match, prompting criticism from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
“I'm suing LeBron James as a father. Stop this. I know Bronnie James is in the NBA for his father,” Smith said in ESPN's “First Take.”
Smith's comments drew LeBron's rage when he faced Smith about his comments at the Lakers' home game.
After James' career-highs on Thursday, he spoke about taking advantage of his opportunities.
“You can gain my confidence and get my comfort with the person in charge, you know, and if it's given, it's the biggest thing for me to take advantage of my opportunity and be ready all the time,” James said.
Perhaps James used Smith's comments as fuel for his big performance.
USC products aim to continue his strong performance when the Lakers play the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at 10:30pm.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
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