Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is supporting Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, encouraging the 2023 first overall pick to remain focused on his goals despite losing his starting position.
James, also a former No. 1 overall pick, took to Twitter to offer words of encouragement to Young, expressing his belief in the young quarterback’s potential:
Bryce Young hold ya head Young 🤴🏾!! Rooting for you and know this ain’t on you! Continue to put the work in and it shall prevail! 🙏🏾🫡👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 18, 2024
Young, at 23 years old, joined the NFL with high expectations after an impressive college career. Despite his success at Alabama, Young has struggled in the NFL, with a losing record as a starter and more interceptions than touchdowns since being drafted.
Recently, the Panthers made the decision to start veteran quarterback Andy Dalton over Young in their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
LeBron James empathizes with Bryce Young’s situation in struggling Panthers team
Carolina’s head coach, Dave Canales, explained the reasoning behind benching Young in favor of Dalton.
“This was something that after I watched the film, I looked at it, had a thought, started talking to the guys that we make decisions with,” Canales said, via Joe Person of The Athletic.
“Certainly, a lot of parties involved there. Ultimately, this comes on me, and my No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers [to] win. … This move, I believe, puts us in the best chance to do that this week.”
The struggles of the Panthers in recent years extend beyond Young’s performance. The team has faced multiple coaching changes and has not returned to the playoffs since losing in Super Bowl 50.
The Panthers have had a string of losing seasons, including a league-worst record last season, and are currently winless in the 2024 season.
Despite the challenges, LeBron James knows firsthand what it’s like to be in a struggling team, having experienced playoff droughts early in his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
