Sports journalist Jason Whitlock has drawn a striking comparison between Bronny James and Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee. This remark came after the Lakers rookie celebrated his first NBA points by taking the net from the basket during a game against the Cavaliers.
Danny Cunningham shared a tweet highlighting Bronny’s gesture, noting, “Bronny James left with the net from the basket he scored his first NBA points on tonight. Really cool gesture by the #Cavs.”
In response, Whitlock tweeted, “Bronny ‘Make-a-Swish’ James is the Tim Walz of the NBA. #StolenValor If you really belonged, you wouldn’t do this.”
The term “stolen valor” refers to the act of falsely claiming military honors or service that one did not earn. Walz has faced accusations related to this, with critics alleging he misrepresented his military service record.
Walz has been accused of exaggerating his military experience, including claims of deploying to combat zones in Afghanistan or Iraq, which he did not experience. Although he served in the Army National Guard, his deployments were not in combat roles, leading to further scrutiny of his military narrative.
Additionally, critics claim that Walz falsely represented his rank, stating he was a retired Command Sergeant Major, a title he never held. His military service has been described as limited, yet he has faced allegations of making statements that exaggerate his experience, including claims of having carried weapons of war “in war.”
These claims have been disputed by veterans who served alongside him, labeling his assertions as misleading and potentially damaging. The accusations have contributed to a narrative that portrays Walz as a habitual liar regarding his military credentials.
In a similar vein, Bronny’s basketball journey has also faced scrutiny. During his time at USC, he averaged just 4.8 points per game, ranking eighth on the team. While his effort and work ethic were noted, his contributions raised questions about his readiness for the professional level.
His shooting performance at USC was inconsistent, with a field goal percentage of only 36.6% and a three-point shooting percentage of 26.7%. These stats have prompted skepticism regarding his transition to the NBA.
After leaving college, Bronny participated in the NBA Summer League, where his shooting struggles persisted. He averaged 8.8 points per game but shot only 35% from the field and 15.8% from beyond the arc, further fueling doubts about his ability to excel at the next level.
In the regular season, Bronny has played in two of the Lakers’ five games, scoring two points in eight minutes. Drafted at No. 55 by Los Angeles, discussions have emerged about whether he is truly prepared to compete in the NBA.
Critics have suggested that LeBron James influenced the Lakers’ decision to draft his son, raising accusations of nepotism. Some believe that LeBron’s motivation is to achieve the historic milestone of being the first father-son duo in NBA history.
