Ever since Bronny James became a Los Angeles Lakers player, the term โnepotismโ has been doing the rounds. With father LeBron James seemingly orchestrating everything, questions about his readiness to play in the NBA led the rookie to be assigned to the G-League outfit, South Bay Lakers.
However, the assignment came with a caveat: the former USC star would only participate in home games. During away games, the 20-year-old suits up for the NBA squad. This arrangement has faced its fair share of criticism.
Some felt it was not the best way to help the rookie catch up on his development as a basketball player after a disappointing season in college. But the Lakers organization felt he could use his learnings from the NBA to utilize during the G-League games.
However, their logic has yet to be proven as Bronny James has been anything but good. In his first game in the G-League, he scored just six points, missing all of his three-point attempts. On the other hand, he led the team in turnovers and fouls.
In his second game that took place earlier, he scored a measly four points and was 2-10 from the field. In the twenty-five minutes he played in, he could not even make an impact on the glass or in playmaking. For any basketball fan, those are atrocious numbers.
Bronny James NBA G League struggles continue ๐ถ pic.twitter.com/9kY4CwZQQF
โ Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) November 18, 2024
What makes it worse is that his performances were significantly worse than Quincy Olivari and Armel Traore, two undrafted players who are on two-way contracts. This contrast is particularly glaring given that James Jr. signed a full contract, with a substantial portion guaranteed.
Fans rip into Bronny James for his lack of development
Analysts and other basketball legends may have tried to disregard the nepotism tags, but with every passing game, fans are seeing more and more proof of it. It seems as though without LeBron Jamesโ influence, the Los Angeles Lakers might not have drafted his son. Fans also feel that the lack of development is showing.
With some suggesting it will be a long way before Bronny James will be ready for the NBA, fans took to social media to talk about his shortcomings. While some took shots at his father, many called out his desire to be better. Check out examples of some of those comments below.
LeBron ruined his career before it started, all for a cute moment on court. This kid needed more time in school. https://t.co/uFfp0ruI6T
โ PrimeAntMan (@PrimeAntMan) November 19, 2024
Just so people understand how far Bronny has to go to be an actual NBA playerโฆโฆJD Davison and Baylor Scheierman average 24/5/11 and 24/8/4. Those two guys wonโt be seeing an NBA court unless a blowout happens. Bronny is struggling even to be a Gleague guy https://t.co/TU2cILnAlM
โ Corey B (@CoreyB08) November 18, 2024
So many people need to apologise to Jaylen Brown. https://t.co/dv849I5mNU
โ Joiiker (@thejoikerr) November 18, 2024
LeBron really rushed his undeveloped son so he can stroke his ego for the father-son teammate title instead letting his son develop in college
โ D4 (@Philip3no) November 19, 2024
I want the kid to do well, I really do. But this is tough
โ MEME KING (@K1NGofMeme) November 18, 2024
He should’ve stayed in college for a years to get those reps. To only play home games in the G league as part of his first year in the NBA is just not enough.
โ Richie B (@wannabefresh) November 18, 2024
I get bronny wanting to be drafting but LeBron as he father shouldโve made him stay. Heโs not ready and he shouldnโt have let him into the fox hole heโs in
โ ็นไผฆๆฏ (@TeeStinga) November 18, 2024
But apparently Jaylen Brown was hating when he said what he said ๐ด https://t.co/4uFxk0aJlA
โ Gerald (@grlouis12) November 19, 2024
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick had set a target for the young hooper to reach. That role, if he perfected, would go a long way in helping them. But if his performances in the G-League continue at this pace, the 20-year-old might not be able to stake his claim in the senior squad.
