🏀 Charles Barkley RIPS Lakers for Bronny James Handling: “It’s Not Fair to Him or the Team!”

Barkley Unloads on Lakers’ Bronny James Strategy

Charles Barkley didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers’ treatment of Bronny James, LeBron James’ eldest son. Speaking on The Bettor Angle podcast, Barkley labeled the decision to keep Bronny in the NBA over consistent G League playing time a “bad look.”

“The kid is not ready to play in the NBA. He should be in the G League so he can play basketball,” Barkley said, taking issue with Bronny’s limited minutes and road game restrictions.

What’s the Issue?

Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny’s inexperience has raised questions. While he averages only 0.7 points in 2.3 minutes per game in six NBA appearances, his G League stats—5 points and 3 assists in 28.5 minutes over two games—highlight the need for consistent development time.

Barkley took issue with the Lakers’ approach of keeping Bronny with the NBA squad whenever the South Bay Lakers are on the road:
“It’s stupid, it’s not fair to him. It’s not fair to the team. Can you imagine the coach having to reintegrate a player after every road trip?”

Fans and Analysts Weigh In

Barkley isn’t alone in his criticism:

• Former NFL player Ryan Clark tweeted, “What has Bronny earned? He should want to prove himself to his teammates and organization.”
• On the other hand, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Jay Williams defended the move, citing nepotism as a common and accepted practice in the NBA.

“The NBA is full of nepotism,” Wojnarowski argued. “It’s not unique to Bronny James.”

LeBron’s Role in the Debate

As one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron’s influence over the Lakers organization is undeniable. Barkley didn’t hold back in calling out the elder James:
“I really like everything LeBron has done. But this is a bad look for him too, in my opinion.”

What’s Next for Bronny?

With mounting scrutiny and limited playing time, the Lakers will need to decide whether to prioritize Bronny’s development in the G League or continue navigating the controversy surrounding his NBA presence.

🔥 Fan Debate: Should Bronny focus on the G League for more experience, or is the Lakers’ strategy justified? Share your thoughts below!

CTA: Follow us for the latest NBA news, player insights, and behind-the-scenes drama in the league!