Former Golden State Warriors star Gilbert Arenas, in his podcast, reacted to the lambasting that LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, has suffered through three preseason games. The rookie has a plus-minus rating of -40 during that stretch, tying him with Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft.
Memphis’ John Konchar, a five-year forward, is at the bottom of the rankings with a -48 for players with a minimum of three games played.
“If there’s no Bronny [James], the kid from the Wizards will be called a bust today! If you take Bronny out, he [Sarr] will be the last in preseason [plus-minus rating],” Arenas said.
“As the No. 2 pick in the draft, he’s busting out right now. You’re at the bottom with LeBron James’ son. You’re ranked, in preseason in the first three games, 493.”
Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards’ No. 2 pick this year, does not face the same scrutiny as Bronny James, despite the same impact based on a plus-minus rating as somebody drafted 53 spots behind him.
At the NBA Draft Combine, the former USC guard, who was predicted to go in the second round, easily held the spotlight over all prospects. Bronny getting drafted by the LA Lakers to play with his father, LeBron James, has only intensified the scrutiny on the 20-year-old rookie.
Bronny James and Alex Sarr still have time to improve their respective preseason plus-minus rating
Bronny James and the LA Lakers still have three more preseason games. They host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and then travel to Phoenix on Wednesday for a rematch with the Suns.
They end their preseason slate with another matchup against the Warriors on Friday. James will have opportunities to improve his preseason plus-minus rating.
Alex Sarr will have one chance to improve the same rating. The Frenchman sat out Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a sore calf. He will see action on Friday when the Washington Wizards host the New York Knicks.
