Bronny James’ early struggles in his rookie NBA season have ignited debates about the LA Lakers’ approach to his development. Selected 55th overall in the NBA draft, James has faced intense scrutiny, compounded by the weight of being LeBron James’ son. Averaging just 0.7 points on 16.7% shooting in limited NBA minutes, the rookie has also struggled to find his footing in the G League.
Charles Barkley’s Criticism
TNT analyst Charles Barkley didn’t hold back on “The Bettor Angle,” criticizing the Lakers for mismanaging Bronny’s development. Barkley argued that alternating James between the NBA and the South Bay Lakers disrupts his rhythm and growth.
“The kid is not ready to play in the NBA. He should be in the G League so he can play basketball,” Barkley said. “This thing where he’s only gonna play home games, it’s stupid, it’s not fair to him. It’s not fair to the team.”
Barkley highlighted the awkward position this creates for the G League coaching staff and for Bronny himself, who lacks consistent opportunities to develop his skills in a competitive setting.
Bronny’s G League Performance
Bronny’s first two games with South Bay saw him average 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting a concerning 21.1% from the field. Despite showing defensive potential with 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, his offensive struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, remain glaring—he has yet to hit a 3-pointer across his eight total games in the NBA and G League.
Adding to his challenges, a left heel injury has sidelined him, further disrupting his momentum.
The Lakers’ Dilemma
The Lakers’ decision to manage Bronny’s development by splitting time between leagues may be influenced by external pressures, including his familial ties and the media spotlight. However, this strategy has drawn criticism for potentially prioritizing optics over effective player development.
If James’ struggles persist, the Lakers might need to adopt a more structured plan, such as committing to an extended G League stint to provide consistent minutes and lessen the burden of NBA expectations.
The Road Ahead
Bronny’s early career challenges are not uncommon for rookies, especially second-round picks. However, for the Lakers—and LeBron James—the stakes are higher due to Bronny’s unique position in the spotlight. As Barkley suggested, focusing on a clear developmental path could be key to unlocking Bronny’s potential and shielding him from unnecessary pressure.
