"You pushed them to draft Bronny" - Fans slam LeBron James over Bronny James' Lakers roster spot as star shows 'concern' on no trades

LeBron James is reportedly growing concerned about the LA Lakers' chances of upgrading the roster with the NBA trade deadline approaching. The Lakers are the sixth seed as of Wednesday with a 23-18 record, two games out of the play-in tournament above the 22-20 Dallas Mavericks. James and Anthony Davis have played at an All-NBA level.

However, the Lakers seem like they would stand pat at the deadline for the third time in four years. According to Shams Charania, who reported this trade rumor on Wednesday, James and Davis believe the Lakers are a couple of moves away from being a top-tier contender.

They have long desired the franchise to make major moves and remain in the reckoning to win a championship after leading the team to success in 2020. However, the Lakers have been cautious since 2021-22, after the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade, which diminished their best trade assets and drove the team out of title contention.

Rob Pelinka fixed that move at the 2023 trade deadline. The Lakers have been playoff contenders since but haven't progressed beyond the conference finals. Last year, they were tossed out of the first round by then-defending champions Denver Nuggets in five games.

Amid LeBron James' stance on the Lakers' fading hopes of a blockbuster trade, fans flamed the four-time MVP over pushing LA to draft Bronny James. One fan called him out, saying:

"Hahah but yet you pushed them to draft bronny and u won’t take a pay cut neither will AD"

"Saying that while forcing the organization to draft your kid is hilarious," added another.

One more fan criticized him over the Bronny James trade, saying:

"Saying this after forcing the franchise to take your D3 level player son in the draft lol"

"Easiest upgrade is cutting Bronny and getting a roster spot back," another added.

"So why'd they draft Bronny," one fan said.

"Saying this after making the lakers give Bronny a 4 year guaranteed contract," another added.

---

Bronny James has nothing to with LeBron James and the Lakers' ability to make trades

Drafting Bronny James has had little to no impact on LeBron James-led Lakers' ability to make trades. LA didn't have to swing big moves to get the 55th pick. The Lakers owned it from the start and simply had to draft Bronny with it.

Meanwhile, Bronny doesn't halt the trade side of things. The Lakers have lucrative first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, which they can package together to get immediate help. The Lakers also have enticing contracts of Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent to dangle in trades.

However, the Lakers seemingly remain iffy about going all in on LeBron James' potential final season or two. Once he calls time, the Lakers would need these assets as a potential rebuild would follow once James retires.