“He’s not ready” Charles Barkley SOUNDS OFF on Bronny James’ chances in NBA
Charles Barkley wants LeBron James' son Bronny James to join the Los Angeles Lakers' G League squad and work on his development.
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James and Charles Barkley
Throughout the offseason, the big story in the NBA was about Bronny James and whether he was ready to play in the league. Charles Barkley and his ‘Inside the NBA’ colleagues never had the opportunity to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers rookie and his situation.
First host Ernie Johnson spoke about how baseball great Ken Griffey Jr. and his father were coming to watch the Lakers’ season-opening game. This made it clear that LeBron James‘ son would be in action. As exciting as it was, Barkley clarified that he was happy that the young rookie was in good health.
His statement came after Bronny’s cardiac arrest scare last year and the time he lost in his only season with USC. Barkley then proceeded to talk about the 20-year-old’s game as he entered the professional league.
Bronny is a prospect. I think he should be in the G League, he’s not ready to play in the NBA right now. There’s gonna be some guys who are going to be coming for his head. To take the pressure off him, and let him get better as a player, he should be in the G League.
Charles Barkley said
Colleague Kenny Smith chimed in to suggest that Bronn has not had the development necessary to take the next step to the NBA. He said it was something that came out of the combination of those missed games and the coaching challenges at USC.
"Soak it in and enjoy every second because it doesn't get any better than that" ?@TurnerSportsEJ shares a message to LeBron & Bronny ahead of Lakers Opening Night pic.twitter.com/dNGkgTlofS
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 22, 2024
They all agreed that after scripting history by playing alongside his father LeBron, Bronny should focus on his development. Some consistent playing time in the G League will help take the pressure off the young star.
Bronny James to the G League could happen sooner than later
The remaining games on the Los Angeles Lakers schedule for this month are against playoff contenders. After that, they have two games against struggling teams where head coach JJ Redick might look to play Bronny James. That is, only if the team has a sizeable lead late in the game.
If not, with the G League season to start, it could be the right moment for Bronny to develop his talents with the South Bay Lakers. There he will have access to coaches dedicated to his development.
The former USC star will also likely play as a starter in multiple games, giving him the platform to speed up his growth. Then as he progresses, Redick could keep tabs and maybe bring him back when the playoffs draw closer.
By then, the Lakers will have figured out their roster needs for the postseason. If Bronny does get to grips with the professional game, expect Charles Barkley to be calling his name out.
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Joseph Varghese
(2265 Articles Published)