In a world where every word from a superstar athlete becomes news, Kevin Durant’s recent comments about Bronny James sent ripples through the basketball community. The two-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer rarely weighs in on college prospects or unproven talent unless there’s something meaningful to say. So when Durant opened up about LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny, his words carried a weight that echoed well beyond NBA locker rooms and social media timelines. His message was simple: “Give the kid space. He’s earned the right to carve out his own path.”
Bronny James, still just a teenager, has lived under a spotlight most NBA players never experience until they’ve been drafted. From Instagram clips that garnered millions of views in middle school to national TV appearances during high school, Bronny has become synonymous with expectations. Some of those expectations stem from his own talent and development, but most of them come from his last name — James. And that’s where Kevin Durant’s perspective is especially valuable.
Durant, who has played against LeBron James in multiple NBA Finals and has watched Bronny’s growth from afar, didn’t mince words. In an interview during the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft, Durant made it clear that Bronny deserves respect as his own player. “I see a young man who’s trying to make it in this game just like the rest of us did,” Durant said. “Just because his father is LeBron, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own journey. People forget how hard this league is to make, even for the so-called chosen ones.”
Durant’s defense of Bronny wasn’t a hollow endorsement. It was grounded in his deep understanding of what it takes to make it in the NBA and how damaging public scrutiny can be, especially for young athletes trying to find their footing. Durant has had his own battles with the media, critics, and fans. He knows the highs of winning titles and the lows of being misunderstood. He also knows talent — and according to him, Bronny has it.
“There’s a lot of talk about whether he’s good enough to be in the league,” Durant said. “That kid’s got game. He plays the right way, makes smart decisions, and plays hard. That alone should earn him a shot. But what’s more impressive is how he carries himself. All the noise, all the pressure — he stays focused.”
That focus has been tested like never before over the past year. After a health scare nearly derailed his career before it began, Bronny’s return to the court was met with cautious optimism. He transferred from USC to play under a new coaching staff, hoping to reset and show scouts he could contribute at the next level. His numbers weren’t eye-popping, but scouts noticed the intangibles: effort, IQ, and a willingness to do the little things. And apparently, so did Kevin Durant.
“Numbers don’t always tell the full story,” Durant said. “Especially when a kid is playing out of position or trying to adjust after a long layoff. What I see is someone who wants to be coached, wants to defend, wants to make the right play. That’s how you build a long career in this league.”
It’s not lost on anyone that Durant’s words serve as a sharp counterpoint to the doubters. For months, critics have argued that Bronny’s draft buzz was manufactured — a product of the media machine and his father’s legacy. The notion that he might be selected in the first round, or even in the top 20, sparked endless debate on sports talk shows and across social media platforms. Durant, however, offered a reminder that the NBA has always been about more than hype.
“Look around the league,” he said. “Some guys were picked late and became All-Stars. Some guys were picked high and flamed out. You never know how someone’s going to develop until they get a real chance. Bronny deserves that chance, just like the rest of us got.”
Durant’s advocacy for Bronny also touches on a broader issue in modern sports: the challenge of growing up in the digital age, especially with a famous parent. While LeBron James has done everything possible to let his sons be their own men, the comparisons are inescapable. Every dunk, every missed shot, every decision is dissected and judged through the lens of his father’s career. Durant sees that as not only unfair but harmful.
“Think about being 18 or 19 and having people call you a bust before you even play a real NBA minute,” he said. “That’s wild. And it’s all because of your last name. That’s why I respect how Bronny handles it. He never lashes out, never feeds into it. Just works. That tells me he’s got a strong foundation.”
