Veteran analyst Skip Bayless weighed in on Lakers rookie Bronny James’ performance during the team’s 132-74 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday. With Lakers coach JJ Redick resting the team’s star players ahead of the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22, Bronny was given the chance to start and make the most of his extended minutes.
The former USC guard seized the opportunity, delivering a breakout performance. He scored 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting from the field, including 1-for-5 from beyond the arc. In addition to surpassing the 10-point mark for the first time, Bronny contributed four rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block.
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Skip Bayless acknowledged that Bronny’s displayed glimpses of his offensive potential during the game but also pointed out a key flaw in the former USC guard.
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“Lakers got annihilated at GSt … but Bronny started, played 35 minutes, scored 17, showed some offensive flashes … but only 1-5 from 3 with 1 assist,” Skip said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).”My one disappointment so far: Bronny doesn’t always play hard.”
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Although Bronny James had a good outing in the preseason finale, his overall performance in tune up games was underwhelming. Across six games, the Lakers rookie posted an average of 4.2 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 29.7% from the field, including only 8.3% from 3-point range.
Also read: “Better than Klank”: Lakers fans buzz after Bronny James ends preseason with better numbers than Klay Thompson
Skip Bayless has been critical of Bronny James
Skip Bayless has long been one of LeBron James’ most vocal critics, dating back to when the 20-time NBA All-Star first entered the league. Now, with LeBron’s son Bronny following in his footsteps and playing at the highest level, Bayless has turned his critical eye toward the young guard’s performances as well.
After Bronny made his debut for the Lakers in their preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 4, Skip didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“Bronny looked pretty small out there, standing at 6-foot-1 and a half, and didn’t appear to be particularly athletic,” Skip said in a video on X. “He took three awkward shots. Meanwhile, LeBron was on the bench, nervously biting his lips. I’m sure it was driving him crazy, watching his son play without being able to step in and help.”
As the Lakers prepare to tip off their 82-game season against Minnesota on Tuesday, it will be intriguing to see if coach JJ Redick decides to give Bronny James some playing time. If the rookie does take the court, it’s likely that Skip will once again share his assessment of the former USC guard’s performance.
