Few players in recent NBA history have faced more scrutiny before playing their first professional game than Bronny James. The son of NBA legend LeBron James entered the league under a spotlight unlike any second-round pick before him, and now former NBA star Blake Griffin believes one decision by the Los Angeles Lakers made that spotlight even brighter.

Speaking candidly about Bronny’s path to the NBA, Griffin said he had no issue with the Lakers selecting James with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Where he believes the organization made a mistake, however, was the contract that followed.

“If you can get drafted, go get drafted. I have zero issues with him getting drafted at the 55th pick. I have zero issues at the Lakers being like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to do this,’” Griffin said. “The thing that I think they probably messed up on is, don’t give him $8 million guaranteed. Give him what is normal for that pick.”

Griffin’s argument isn’t about the draft pick

The comments touch on one of the biggest debates surrounding Bronny’s entry into the league. While many observers expected the Lakers to draft him in part to unite him with LeBron James, the fully guaranteed contract generated additional criticism because players selected late in the second round typically do not receive that level of financial commitment.

Griffin’s remarks are notable because they are not a criticism of Bronny himself. The six-time NBA All-Star made it clear that he understands why James declared for the draft and why the Lakers chose to use the 55th pick on him. Bronny was selected by Los Angeles in the second round of the 2024 draft, creating the NBA’s first father-son teammate pairing.

Instead, Griffin believes the guaranteed money became an unnecessary distraction.

“He made 10 times that in NIL. Maybe not 10 times, but he’s made his own money. And he also doesn’t ever have to worry about money,” Griffin added. “Just give him the normal thing, and you get everybody off his back. Have him play in the G League.”

In Blake’s view, a more conventional second-round contract structure would have reduced accusations of favoritism and allowed Bronny to develop without constant discussion about his salary.

The reality of being LeBron’s son

Whether fair or not, Bronny entered the NBA carrying expectations that most second-round selections never encounter. Ordinarily, the 55th pick in the draft receives little national attention. Most players chosen that late spend significant time in the G League, fighting for roster spots and proving they belong at the professional level.

Bronny’s situation was different from the moment his name was called.

Every performance, every assignment to the G League, and every minute he played with the Lakers became national news. The guaranteed contract only intensified discussions about whether he had earned the opportunity or benefited from being the son of one of the greatest players in basketball history.

Griffin’s comments suggest that the Lakers may have underestimated how much the contract itself would become part of the story. Of course, there is another side to the argument. The Lakers knew exactly what they were getting when they drafted Bronny.

Beyond his basketball potential, James represented a unique marketing opportunity and a historic moment for the franchise and the NBA. The organization helped create one of the league’s most memorable milestones when LeBron and Bronny shared the court as teammates.