Baron Davis Defends LeBron James Teaming with Bronny, Disagrees with Austin Rivers

Baron Davis believes Bronny James playing with his father would be good for the USC guard's development at the next level.

"Your daddy is LeBron James," Davis said, "I think it will do nothing but help him," Davis told TMZ Sports. "You say it'll enable him because your daddy on the team, but like, nah, that s--t different. That's LeBron. LeBron's a coach, a basketball genius and that's his seed."

The potential James Gang NBA union has been an ongoing source of discussion among former NBA players of late.

Austin Rivers, who played for his father when Doc was the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, recently said he does not think Bronny playing with LeBron would be good for the youngster's career.

"I mean, I hope it doesn't happen. I don't wanna see Bronny play with his dad, I really don't," Rivers said. "I went through something similar. It was a very similar situation, but also different. I was already in the NBA when I went to go play for [Rivers]. What happens is people start to discredit everything that you've done. This kid has been in the limelight since he was born. first day on Instagram he had a million followers. He's handled it so well, he's played well at Sierra Canyon amongst talent and was able to get himself to a school like USC.

"...Him going to play with his dad, at this point of his career, just because Bronny's success isn't in a top-tier level. Him getting drafted and playing with his dad, it just, I don't want that negativity that come that way because he doesn't deserve it."

Rivers' comments resulted in former NBA guard Stephen Jackson calling Rivers "trash" and telling him to "shut up." Rivers played for seven NBA teams over an 11-year career and was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans (then Hornets).

Bronny James received lottery buzz coming out of high school but has seen his NBA stock fall in recent months. He did not make his USC debut until December amid recovery from going into cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect last July. Since making his return, Bronny has struggled to make an impact. He's averaging 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 35.6 percent from the floor this season.