Bronny James has been the source of controversies in the NBA throughout this season. More often than not, the 20-year-old rookie’s mere existence as a player in the NBA has caused many to raise eyebrows.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to distance James from their G-League affiliate’s travel plans has caused many to raise eyebrows, including ESPN analyst Ryan Clark. He took to his ‘The Pivot’ podcast to discuss the latest developments on James’ situation with the South Bay Lakers.
According to recent reports, James has been receiving ‘special treatment’ from the Lakers organization. This entails him not flying for the South Bay Lakers’ road games and only playing in their home games. Clark issued some strong criticism for the rookie on his podcast.
If I’m Bronny James, I’m begging Rich Paul, I’m begging JJ Redick, I’m begging my father, please let me travel with this team. Please let me stay at the Courtyard Marriott. Please let me fly commercial. Please let me go somewhere where I can get more than six shots in three games to not only prove it to my organization that I’m worth of being on this team, but to my damn self.
Ryan Clark said
Bronny James play road games with the Lakers G-League affiliate… But Why? The first headline I read noted,”team flies commercial.” And?
What has Bronny earned? He should be begging his organization, & if need be his father to let him play. He should want to prove himself to his… pic.twitter.com/uKEltNLAuQ
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 16, 2024
Clark issued the criticism for James on the basis of reports that stated the rookie was a ‘part-time’ G-League player. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst was the first to report on it on his ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast.
However, Clark’s strong words for Bronny James seemed to come from a place of advice rather than baseless criticism. He looks for the young star to take on the challenge of proving himself after most have claimed his presence in the NBA has been solely on the basis of nepotism owing to his father’s legacy.
Bronny James’ stats in second game with South Bay Lakers
After a less-than-eventful debut, Bronny James geared up for his second stint in the G-League on Sunday night. The South Bay Lakers suffered a 127-122 defeat to the Stockton Kings.
However, throughout the match, all eyes were on Bronny James to see his performance. He started the game for the South Bay Lakers, with parents LeBron James and Savannah James in attendance.
The rookie ended the game with four points, two rebounds, two assists and a block in 25 minutes of playing time. Unfortunately, his struggles on the offensive end continued, as he shot just 2-10 from the field, going scoreless in the second half of the game.
Bronny James did show some solid playmaking chops early in the game. However, his struggles in the G-League have emphasized many of the criticisms showered upon him by former players and analysts. He finished the game with a -7 plus/minus in a five-point loss for the Lakers.
