04 July 2023 , 16:32
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Bronny James and Shareef O'Neal learned the hard way on Monday night that their fathers' fame does not always extend to them, being refused entry to an exclusive party in Hollywood.
Bronny, the 18-year-old son of LeBron James, and 23-year-old Shareef, one of Shaquille O'Neal's six children, are good friends and were hoping to spend their evening at 'Poppy' where rapper Saweetie's birthday celebration was taking place.
But, according to TMZ Sports, the pair – and the crowd of friends that joined them – failed to get beyond the door, with security turning them away as they endured the embarrassment of having to turn around and walk away.
Saweetie, who had a top-20 single in the United States alongside Doja Cat called Best Friend, was celebrating her 30th birthday at the exclusive venue in West Hollywood, but it is clear Bronny and Shareef's names were not on the list.
Bronny, a four-star recruit, has been touted as a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft as he prepares for his first year at the University of Southern California.
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The combo guard impressed scouts with his performances in the McDonald's All-American game, scoring 15 points from five three-pointers in March, but the real acid test will come in NCAA action in the fall.
His father has shown a keen interest in his burgeoning career and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will be able to watch many of Bronny's games with USC's facility near the family home.
Shareef O'Neal wants to follow in his father's footsteps and he will have to do it the hard way after going undrafted last year. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Harold and Carole Pump Foundation)LeBron has repeatedly stated his desire to play on the same team as his son in the NBA before he retires. The 38-year-old said in January: "I need to get on the court with my son, I want to be on the court with Bronny.I don't mean we'll do one on one in a game, but I'd love to do something Ken Griffey Sr and Jr style. It would be awesome, no doubt.
"I ask him what his aspirations are and he says he wants to play in the NBA so, if he wants to do that, he has to work for it. I'm already here, I'm just waiting for him."
Shareef, meanwhile, spent time in the college programmes of the University of Califonia, Los Angeles and Louisiana State University before going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft.
The 6ft 10in power forward spent the 2022 Summer League with the Lakers, where his father won three NBA titles, but he did not earn a roster spot.
Shareef has since joined the NBA G League Ignite and, after turbulent few years including a heart operation in 2018, he hopes to make his mark on the court in the professional ranks.