Chris Russo criticizes Magic Johnson for “congratulations” to Bronny James

The Mad Dog has a bone to pick with Magic Johnson.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” earlier this week, Chris Russo said he “loves” Johnson and listed several accolades from his playing career, before chiding the former Lakers point guard for congratulating Bronny James on his selection to the team.

“Magic, really, we’re going to send out a tweet congratulating Bronny James on being selected as number 55 by the Lakers? Why don’t you write that for the dad? That’s the only reason he’s on the team!” barked the Mad Dog.

After the younger James was drafted in late June, Johnson wrote on X: “Congratulations to Bronny James on being signed by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment as LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Bronny’s performance for the @Lakers during Summer League in Vegas is must-see TV!”

Russo had no problem with nepotism per se, but resisted the idea that it was a cause for celebration.

“He wasn’t drafted by the Lakers because he was great at USC! He was drafted because dad is LeBron. And I understand there’s nepotism everywhere – Danny Hurley has his kid at UConn and nobody says a word. So I understand that,” Russo continued.

“But, gosh, can we leave it at that? Not having blitzes and congratulating Bronny James on being selected by the Lakers when we all know he never would have been selected with the No. 55 pick if his father had been signed — even if his father had been signed, I don’t know if they would have (selected him). The fact that he kind of kept this free agency on the table to see if they would draft Bronny James is the main reason they drafted him in the first place.”

Bronny James signed a four-year contract with the Lakers worth up to $7.9 million, with the team retaining an option for the final season of the contract.