"You chose the drug addict what a shame" - NBA fans link Bronny James' No. 9 jersey to LeBron James' son paying tribute to Juice WRLD

Bronny James has reportedly picked a number to start his NBA career. The young guard was selected by the LA Lakers at 55 on Day 2 of the 2024 NBA Draft and now gets ready to make his debut in the upcoming Summer League before starting the process of playing against the best players in the world.

Meanwhile, he's finishing details to start his stint with the Lakers. The Purple and Gold shared visuals of Bronny's jersey with the team, revealing that the rookie picked No. 9 for his jersey.

Some believe this pick is an homage to late rapper Juice WRLD. Many fans reacted to this choice, with some criticizing Bronny due to Juice WRLD's actions when he was alive.

"Out of all rappers you chose the drug addict what a shame," one fan said.

"Of all rappers I’m crying😭," another fan said.

"loss all his aura alr LMFAOOO," a third fan wrote.

Others tried to give a different explanation, linking it to LeBron wearing No. 6, which is a 9 upside down.

"He literally is doing it for the upside 6 cause he can’t wear that number 😂🤣😂😂 y’all making s**t up," one fan commented.

What makes fans think this is a homage to Juice WRLD is the fact that Bronny James has a '999' tattoo behind his ear, a number associated with the rapper.

Juice WRLD explained in an interview the meaning behind '999,' stating that it meant taking a bad situation and turning it into a positive. The number '666' has a strong negative meaning based on the Bible, so '999' would be the opposite of it.

LeBron James reacts to former Lakers All-Star shouting out Bronny James

After the Lakers decided to go with Bronny James at 55, plenty of people celebrated the decision. Nick Van Exel was one of them, sharing the famous 'let's go' message in response to Bronny wearing No. 9, which he also wore in LA. LeBron James took notice of this and praised the former guard, calling him 'cold.'

"That’s so TOUGH!! Nick the Quick was SO COLD!!!!!," the King wrote.

Bronny James now has the chance to start what could be a solid NBA career. He has the tools and the support to be in the league for a long time. Lakers coach JJ Redick is already hyping him up and LeBron will be there to help him every step of the way.