Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is pushing back against claims that he disparaged Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James during a recent preseason game. A viral video that surfaced after the game appeared to show Booker mouthing the words, “He’s just no good,” following a missed free throw by James.
The video quickly gained traction online, leading to speculation that Booker had taken a shot at the 20-year-old rookie, son of Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Booker took to social media to address the controversy, calling out how many people had “liked” the video, and suggested that the situation had been blown out of proportion.
He didn’t explicitly deny making the comment but hinted that the narrative was being exaggerated and taken out of context. His response aimed to clarify the situation, although the video continued to stir conversation across social platforms.
Bronny James, who was selected by the Lakers in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, has faced significant scrutiny and attention due to his family legacy.
In the preseason, James logged four points and two rebounds in 17 minutes against the Suns, but his overall scoring performances have been modest, with fewer than five points in five out of six preseason games, including two outings where he failed to score.
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Despite these early struggles, James showed flashes of potential, particularly in a standout performance against the Golden State Warriors. In that game, he tallied 17 points, four rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block in 35 minutes, as the Lakers rested their starters and key rotation players. The Lakers were ultimately blown out 132-74, but James’ individual effort drew praise.
After the game, James expressed relief and excitement about his performance, saying, “It’s just a great feeling to go out there and not think as much, just play.” His words reflected the pressure he has been under, not just because of his rookie status but also due to his famous last name. While his role on the Lakers during the regular season is expected to be limited, his development will be closely watched.
James acknowledged that, as a rookie, he may not play significant minutes, but he plans to use the preseason experience to build confidence and prepare for whatever lies ahead. “[The preseason] gives me just a little bit of confidence going into the season, even though I might not be in that rotation, might not be playing,” James said. “But just going into practice, maybe G League games, with that confidence in myself to go out there and play my game. I feel like that’s the biggest part of it.”
As Bronny continues to find his footing in the NBA, the media spotlight is sure to follow him closely, largely due to his father’s illustrious career.
Although Devin Booker’s alleged comment added some tension, both players are focused on the season ahead, with Bronny looking to carve out his own path and Booker leading the Suns with championship aspirations.
Booker’s quick response to the viral video shows how even the smallest moments can be magnified in today’s social media-driven sports world.
While Bronny James continues to navigate the early days of his professional career, he is learning to handle the intense scrutiny that comes with being LeBron James’ son and an up-and-coming player in the league.
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