Bronny James Struggles in Lakers Preseason, Faces Growing Criticism Over NBA Readiness

Posted : 18 October 2024

Bronny James has struggled to meet expectations during the Lakers’ preseason, and despite the protective silence from most critics, some league insiders have anonymously voiced doubts about his future in the NBA. According to one executive, “he doesn’t fit in this league by any measure,” raising concerns that Bronny was drafted primarily due to his famous father, LeBron James. Even the most optimistic commentators are questioning if Bronny belongs at this level, but many are hesitant to openly criticize him, fearing it could affect LeBron. Only Kwame Brown, once known as one of the biggest draft disappointments, has been blunt, saying that "Bronny just sucks."

Bronny himself has high ambitions, comparing his game to defensive stalwarts like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, both of whom built their careers through strong defense and hard work. However, his preseason performance has fallen far short of those comparisons. In three games, Bronny has posted a disappointing minus-40 rating, with an average of just 0.7 points, 0.3 assists, and one rebound in nearly 12 minutes per game. In a game against the Phoenix Suns, he had four turnovers and failed to score or assist, sparking criticism from league insiders who believe he’s not ready for the NBA. Some even argue that he should have stayed in college longer to develop his skills.

Although most of the criticism remains anonymous, some public figures have offered a more balanced view. Charles Barkley, who has previously been critical of LeBron, acknowledged that it’s not easy for Bronny, given the target on his back. While Barkley remains hopeful that Bronny’s story could still have a happy ending, he warned that success will be a process. Meanwhile, Kwame Brown, who knows the sting of failed expectations all too well, has been one of the few voices willing to speak harshly about Bronny, calling out his lack of offensive rhythm and effort, suggesting that any other player with such performances would likely have been cut.

Despite the criticism, the Lakers have given Bronny an unusually generous contract for a second-round pick, worth nearly $8 million over four years with more than $4 million guaranteed. Many see this as a puzzling move, with some speculating that the Lakers’ primary motivation is keeping LeBron happy, especially given the recent hiring of J.J. Redick as head coach, a close friend of LeBron. Although Bronny had a promising high school career, his brief stint at the University of Southern California was marred by a cardiac arrest incident and an underwhelming return to the court, raising further doubts about his readiness for the NBA.

As Bronny continues to face challenges, the larger issue of nepotism within the NBA looms. While there’s no denying that LeBron and Bronny playing together will create a historic moment, there’s growing concern that Bronny may not be able to handle the pressures of the league. Many fear that the hype surrounding their partnership could quickly fade, and there’s already speculation that Bronny might be moved to the South Bay Lakers in the G League after the Lakers’ opening game to continue developing. For now, the question remains whether Bronny can step out of his father’s shadow and prove that he belongs in the NBA on his own merits.

Bronny James Struggles in Lakers Preseason, Faces Growing Criticism Over NBA Readiness

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