Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James is making fast progress with his development. In an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, however, NBA legend Charles Barkley suggested that Bronny has no business being in the NBA — at least, not yet.
“That kid, I wish him nothing but the best, he should be in the G-League getting better as a player,” said Barkley. “He should have been in the G-League all year. You don’t get better sitting on the bench.”
Barkley saw the viral interaction between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, and the aftermath that followed. Unlike most fans, Barkley saw where Stephen A. was coming from and even made the case for why he might be right.
“I think what he was really trying to say was ‘Hey, don’t put that kid out there with those NBA grown men.’ Send him to the G-League where he can get better as a player,” said Barkley. “They shouldn’t have put him in that situation; he should have been in the G-League all season.”
LeBron James made headlines over his altercation with Stephen A. Smith, but the bigger story is about Bronny. LeBron helped his son get into the league, but he’s going out of his way to protect him from critics like Stephen A. and Barkley, who constantly question if he belongs.
Bronny, 20, did not have the typical path to the NBA. As the son of an NBA legend, he grew up under the spotlight and was taught from birth how to handle the pressure. While Bronny may never reach the heights of his dad, his dream became a reality this season when he suited up for the Lakers on opening night.
It was the first time in NBA history that a father and son shared the court for the same team, and it was a proud moment for the whole family. Today, Bronny’s role on the Lakers is limited, but he’s still an active member of the team.
Contrary to Barkley’s statement, Bronny spends most of his time with the South Bay Lakers, where he’s averaging a solid 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on 44.3% shooting.
In the NBA, Bronny is rarely seen in large bursts, but the Lakers have not been shy about putting him out there with averages of 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game on 32.7% shooting. In Bronny’s last game (against the Chicago Bulls), he put up two points and one assist on 50% shooting.
While his progress has been slow so far, Bronny has shown some flashes of greatness, and there is faith that he can establish himself as a valuable NBA role player. Of course, the key to his success will be more reps and experience on the court.
Already, Bronny is showing remarkable progress, and he’s brushed off all the noise about not earning his way. After signing a four-year, $7.9 million guaranteed contract, James is here to stay, and the Lakers have invested in his long-term success.
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