Gilbert Arenas Says LeBron James Used Lakers Power to Shield Bronny From Failure Few NBA debates generate as much heat as the intersection of LeBron James’ influence and Bronny James’ future . Former All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas has thrown gasoline on that fire, claiming that LeBron leveraged his stature within the Lakers organization to ensure Bronny’s entry into the NBA. In Arenas’ view, this wasn’t about merit alone—it was about protection, reputation, and a father shielding his son from the unforgiving glare of professional basketball. The Arenas Claim On his podcast, Arenas suggested that Bronny James’ path to the Lakers was less about a traditional draft process and more about LeBron’s organizational pull . According to Arenas, LeBron recognized that Bronny—while talented—might not survive the brutal churn of NBA expectations if placed in a less stable franchise. By ensuring his son landed in Los Angeles, LeBron essentially controlled the environment , shielding Bronny fr...