The preseason is still weeks away, but Bronny James is already in the NBA’s pressure cooker. Over the summer, the Lakers drafted LBJ’s son with the 55th pick, and fans have scrutinized his every move.

The OGs Show, hosted by former Miami Heat players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, released its newest episode on Tuesday. Their guest was another former Heat player, Shaquille O’Neal. ‘Shaq Diesel’ spoke well of Bronny and mentioned the difficulties of his professional life within his father’s legendary shadow.

The four-time champion doesn’t like the talk surrounding the young guard.

“The Lakers thing. Little Bronny is my nephew, happy for him. I wish him well, I know his work ethic. It’s a lot of storylines, good and bad, behind that. I just hope everything goes off.

Shaq said his son Shareef faced the same pressure. The younger O’Neal was a promising talent before heart issues derailed his expectations in 2018.

“The only thing for kids like that is they have a lot of pressure because of their last name. They don’t even get the opportunity to do what they want. They’re always going to be compared to us.

“My wish for Bronny is to be happy. I hate the storylines. I hate the nepotism talk and all. It doesn’t matter, he’s in. I want him happy, and I want him to perform and to do well.”

Shaq’s comments begin at the 53:21 mark.

Are Bronny James and Shareef O’Neal friends?

Bronny James and Shareef O’Neal share similar experiences beyond their last names. The talented hardwood pair also faced major health issues. Bronny suffered cardiac arrest while practicing at USC. Shareef underwent heart surgery.

However, only one of them realized the NBA dream. Even so, the two are friends. During Shaq’s appearance on Haslem and Miller’s podcast, he shared that his son and Bronny are best friends and that he considers the former Trojans guard his nephew.

“Cause his (LeBron’s) son and my son are best friends, I’m not going to jepardize their relationship just by saying some bulls**t. ‘I’m not saying no bulls**t anyway because Bron and his family have always been good to me. He’s like a nephew to me.”

The next generation of O’Neal and James hoopers even ball together on occassion.

After teaming up in Cleveland during the 2009-10 season, Shaq and LeBron’s families developed a lasting bond.