As the new NBA season approaches, one of the most anticipated questions swirling around the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t just about LeBron James but his son, Bronny James, and whether the younger James will start the season on the Lakers roster or be sent to the G-League. Many are eager to see if the rookie will follow in his father’s legendary footsteps or take a slower route through the developmental league.
An executive from a Western Conference team didn’t hold back in an interview with ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, stating, “Bronny shouldn’t spend even a minute on the Lakers this year.” This sentiment, echoed by other insiders, has sparked debate: Should Bronny start his career with the spotlight of the Lakers or quietly hone his skills in the G-League?
The G-League: The Best Option for Bronny James?
Despite the excitement surrounding his entry into the NBA, some experts believe that Bronny’s best chance for long-term success is to spend his rookie year entirely in the G-League. “There’s no denying the immense pressure he would face trying to break through straight to the Lakers,” explained the Western Conference exec. “It would be too much, too soon. Bronny would be better off developing his game in the G-League.”
Another executive weighed in on the matter: “Bronny’s potential on defense is clear, but we haven’t seen him really shine yet. If his last name wasn’t James, we wouldn’t be discussing him in this way. He’s here because of his father’s name.”
These blunt remarks might sound harsh, but they carry some weight. Bronny James, like many young players, faces immense scrutiny, especially with the added pressure of being LeBron James’ son. His preseason stats have done little to quiet the doubters. In two preseason games, Bronny has only managed to score 2 points, grab 3 rebounds, and dish out 1 assist in 29 minutes on the court. Those numbers, along with 5 turnovers, suggest that he might not be quite ready to shine on the NBA stage.
Why the G-League Could Help Bronny Thrive
The G-League offers young players the opportunity to play in competitive games without the overwhelming pressure of the NBA. For Bronny, this could be the perfect environment to focus on improving his skills—especially if he wants to make a serious impact at the NBA level.
One Western Conference scout emphasized, “The G-League is a place where players can work on the nuances of the game—reading defenses, improving their shot selection, and adapting to the speed of the professional game. Bronny has the athleticism, but he needs time to develop those fundamentals.”
With a year in the G-League, Bronny could build up his confidence, gain valuable minutes, and showcase his potential. Unlike the bright lights of the NBA, the G-League provides a more forgiving stage for growth, with fewer eyes watching and less immediate criticism. Players are allowed to make mistakes, learn from them, and come back stronger.
The Harsh Realities of the NBA
If Bronny’s last name wasn’t James, would he still be a hot topic in NBA circles? This is a question that has been raised repeatedly by analysts and NBA insiders. The truth is, many young players who have not yet proven themselves often struggle to find footing in the league. The NBA is notorious for its cutthroat nature—there’s limited time and patience for rookies who don’t immediately perform at a high level.
While LeBron James made an immediate impact upon entering the league, the same expectations shouldn’t be placed on Bronny. One Western Conference executive highlighted, “Bronny has talent, but we need to remember he’s not LeBron. He’s still finding his way and figuring out his identity as a player.”
Adding to this pressure is the legacy of his father, arguably one of the greatest players in NBA history. The media attention, fan expectations, and constant comparisons to LeBron would be enough to weigh down any rookie. While Bronny has shown flashes of potential, jumping straight into the Lakers roster could hinder his development more than it would help.
What the Lakers Should Do
For the Lakers, making the right decision about Bronny’s future is crucial—not just for Bronny himself but for the team. Rushing a young player onto the roster before they’re ready could lead to disappointing results on the court. Meanwhile, allowing him to grow in the G-League could provide the Lakers with a stronger, more polished player in the future.
LeBron James has voiced his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, but even he knows that Bronny’s development must come first. For now, giving Bronny the space and time to find his game might be the best path forward.
FAQs
The G-League offers a more forgiving environment for Bronny to develop his skills without the immense pressure of the NBA spotlight.
In two preseason games, Bronny struggled, scoring only 2 points with 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers in 29 minutes of play.
Many believe that Bronny has potential but isn’t ready for the NBA yet. Spending time in the G-League would allow him to refine his skills.
LeBron has expressed a desire to play alongside Bronny, but the priority should be Bronny’s development, which could happen in the G-League first.
Conclusion
As the start of the NBA season looms, all eyes will be on the Lakers and the decision they make regarding Bronny James. While the allure of having LeBron and Bronny play together on the same team is tempting, the reality is that Bronny might not be ready to make an immediate impact in the NBA. The G-League offers him the chance to refine his skills, build confidence, and develop without the weight of the world on his shoulders.
For Bronny, spending a season in the development league isn’t a step backward—it’s a step toward ensuring a successful and lasting career in the NBA. It’s an opportunity to prove that he belongs in the league not just because of his last name, but because of his talent and hard work.
