November 26, 2024 – NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley lately has taken swipes at the Los Angeles Lakers over how they treated their newest addition, Bronny James, son of basketball icon LeBron James. Interviewed recently, Barkley aired his issues on why he believes the Lakers drafted him, as well as the pressure that was afterward placed upon the 19-year-old.
And now that he was drafted by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James has been bombarded with so much media scrutiny. He is a potential player no doubt, but according to the big man, the Lakers haven’t taken their time in dealing with expectations over the young stud. “I think they are throwing him into the fire too soon,” Barkley said. “Bronny’s a good kid, but the Lakers could have given him more time to grow and develop in the G League or, at least, in practice before placing him on the national stage.”
Bronny has been criticized lately by Barkley following a report that he is struggling to fit into the rigorous levels of the NBA. He has given some glimpses of brilliance but poorly and irregularly, thus sparking discussion about whether he is ready for the bright lights that Los Angeles demands of its athletes – instant success.
“I get it — he’s LeBron’s son, but that doesn’t mean he should be rushed into the pressure cooker of playing for the Lakers,” Barkley added. “They’ve done it with other players before, and sometimes it’s too much too soon.”
The Lakers organization continues to insist that they are committed to long-term development and constantly assert that playing time will be managed well for Bronny. However, the inclusion of Bronny in regular-season games has come under much scrutiny; this is also during the point of the team having high expectations in the coming season.
LeBron James, for his part, has publicly supported his son, urging fans and critics to give Bronny time to grow into his own. “He’s his player,” LeBron said in a recent interview. “We’re all learning together.”
As the Lakers continue their campaign, the spotlight on Bronny James will remain intense, and it remains to be seen whether he can thrive under the weight of the expectations placed on him.
