“Hate Is Always Louder” – Matt Barnes Predicts Disrespect for Bronny James From NBA Fraternity as He Navigates Early Years

After agreeing to a 4 year guaranteed contract, the trolling for Bronny James has continued. Since he announced for the Draft, nepotism has been rampantly discussed. But many people from the NBA fraternity have backed the former USC guard. And even former Los Angeles Lakers player Matt Barnes said, “I would have given anything to be able to play on the same court in the NBA with my son.” However, Barnes further added how the early years in the NBA might look for the 19-year-old.

On the Le Batard Show, the former NBA champion also spoke about being a father to hooping sons. And the scrutiny from the opposition, and the media that comes with it. Barnes believed that Bronny had been putting the hard work into training with coach Chris Johnson. Johnson also trains Barnes’ twin sons. He also encouraged the current Lakers #9 to continue working hard and eventually, he would become a solid contributor to any NBA team.

Barnes a former second-round pick also understood that the opposition and the media won’t make life easy for Bronny. “I think obviously there’s going to be fans that wrap their arms around him and embrace him. But we all know being in this game whether it be media or the actual uh, sport, the hate is always louder than the love, ” Barnes said, via the Le Batard Show. The former Lakers #9 also believed that the disrespect might continue towards LeBron James throughout the Bronny saga.

The man who coined the term ‘Bron-gevity’, feels LeBron would definitely teach his son about blocking out the noise. Barnes considered Bronny to have a work ethic just like his father. And what gives Bronny an edge over others is his basketball IQ.

The 44-year-old shared his personal experience as his twin sons are in the limelight because of their hooping skills at 15. “Being the son of NBA athletes isn’t easy,” said Matt Barnes. He acknowledged that there are privileges but the jealousy and hate that his kids faced when they were just 8 or 9 years old is uncalled for. Even Bronny thought the people judged him too quickly. But throughout the judgment, he has received support from friends and family to help him.

Like Matt Barnes, many legends come in support of Bronny James

“I love the fact that he’s there and he’s getting an opportunity to play with his dad,” said Matt Barnes and the Lakers legend Magic Johnson too shared the same sentiment. He wrote on X, “Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!”

The world-famous Banana Boat Crew too showed appreciation for their crewmate and his son. “Special!! Congrats, Bronny!,” said Chris Paul who would also begin his new journey with Spurs this year. “One of the dopest moments in our sport! Congrats, Bronny!,” said Dwyane Wade. La La Anthony ex-wife of Carmelo Anthony took to Instagram and wrote, “Congratulations @bronny… soooo proud of u!” 

Even former foe Kendrick Perkins is overjoyed for LeBron James. However, the fans are divided over Bronny James. Bronny has secured $1.1 million for the first year and will begin his journey in the summer league.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.