Former Cleveland Cavaliers center Brendan Haywood called out “haters” for criticizing the move by the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James and pair him with his father, LeBron James.

Recap: Lakers Have No Answer For Giannis Antetokounmpo In Blowout Loss To Bucks

The Lakers used the No. 55 overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft to select Bronny. Before the draft, ESPN NBA analyst Bob Myers reported LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, was calling teams around the league and telling them not to take Bronny.

That led to criticism from some who felt like LeBron and the Lakers were strong-arming the rest of the league so the historic father-son duo could happen. Haywood pushed back on the negativity in a social media post, while also delivering a stray to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“People hating on Bronny, but Giannis essentially did the same thing for Thanasis. I’d have done the same if I had that type of power,” Haywood posted.

Thanasis, who is the older brother of Giannis, is on a Bucks team that hasn’t utilized him much. He’s averaging only 7.7 minutes per game in five seasons with Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting next to Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting next to Thanasis Antetokounmpo

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Thanasis was drafted by the New York Knicks, but he did end up signing with the Bucks once Giannis established himself as a superstar. It’s a fair argument for Haywood to make, even if the situations aren’t exactly the same.

Haywood played with LeBron during the 2014-2015 season in Cleveland, and he’s witnessed the connection LeBron has with his son up close. But it was never anything he needed to see to feel it for himself.

Who wouldn’t want to share the NBA court with their son or brother? If you’re fortunate enough to be in the position of LeBron or Giannis, who wouldn’t move mountains to make that possible?