Shaquille O’Neal wants everyone to give Bronny James a break as he begins his NBA career.

James, the eldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Many fans and analysts are calling this selection “nepotism” and questioning Bronny’s ability to succeed at the NBA level.

“I would like the scrutiny to get off Bronny James,” Shaq said during the most recent episode of The Big Podcast. “My nephew. He’s a kid. Great kid. All he wants to do is play. It’s unfortunate for kids that have to live up to what we have done. I hope he was the opportunity to play well. I hope he has the opportunity to make a name for himself.

“I’m sitting watching all this [criticism]. All that stuff’s unnecessary.”

No matter what Shaq says, people are always going to be critical of Bronny James. Unfortunately, that criticism comes with the territory when you’re the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with his son Bronny James after breaking the all-time scoring record in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.

Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with his son Bronny James after breaking the all-time scoring record in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Bronny will look to prove his critics wrong when he takes the court for his rookie season in 2024-25.