The Los Angeles Lakers’ handling of Bronny James this season has drawn criticism from NBA great Charles Barkley, who especially questions the team’s approach to his growth. Bronny, 20, joined his father, LeBron, on the Lakers’ roster after being selected by the team in the second round of the June NBA Draft. The two made history in October by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
Bronny hasn’t played much in the NBA since then, though. He has played little minutes since being signed to the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League club, earlier this month. It has been questioned why he now plays for the G League squad at home while returning to the NBA for away games.
Barkley, who has long been a commentator for Turner Sports, highlighted his misgivings about the Lakers’ strategy. According to him on The Bettor Angle podcast, “They’ve handled it awful.” Although Bronny’s NBA debut was a historic event, Barkley thought the youngster wasn’t yet prepared to compete at the greatest level. He recommended that Bronny play in the G League to obtain important experience, as sitting on the bench would impede his progress.
Additionally, Barkley called the system that only permits Bronny to play at home “stupid” and unfair to both the player and the team. He emphasized the challenges it presents for the coaching staff by asking, “Do you see the coach of that team? You run into a player you haven’t seen in a week or two after getting back from a road trip. You think that after that you’ll need to play him. “This situation wasn’t supporting Bronny’s growth,” Barkley said.
Regarding Barkley’s comments, CNN has contacted LeBron James and the Lakers for a response. The Lakers’ strategy for Bronny was always to have him alternate between the NBA and the G League, according to an explanation provided by head coach JJ Redick in October. “From the beginning, the strategy has always been for Bronny to move within the Lakers and South Bay,” Redick said.
Redick further stated that LeBron James and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka supported this technique, highlighting the fact that it was a component of the team’s larger plan for the development of the young player. Even when the strategy was explained, Barkley continued to criticize the way the Lakers handled the matter.
Barkley, who has a lot of respect for the older James, also said that the agreement made LeBron James seem bad. “That is a bad look for the Lakers,” he said. Although I think LeBron has done a lot of great things, I think this is a horrible look for him. According to Barkley’s remarks, LeBron has had a remarkable career, but his role in Bronny’s present predicament may damage his reputation.
Bronny has only played 57 minutes in two games, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out six assists, which is a poor start to his G League career. Because of his bad start, some have questioned if he is ready for the demands of the NBA.
LeBron James shared his appreciation for the chance to play with his son, Bronny, acknowledging the criticism his son has faced in his early career. He referred to it as one of the greatest blessings in his life and vowed to fully embrace the experience.
Despite Bronny’s limited playing time, LeBron’s comment shows how much he cherishes the special opportunity to play alongside his child. LeBron is focusing on the joy the event brings him personally, even though other spectators, like Barkley, might think that the situation was handled incorrectly.
