Sometimes, players can get their foot in the door with help from members of their inner circle.
A heavily scrutinized Los Angeles Lakers rookie who recently earned the ‘nepo baby’ title may have to make a massive adjustment soon.
“He (Bronny James) is only in the NBA right now because of his dad (LeBron James),” the Wrightway Sports Network’s Matt Shovelson wrote Wednesday.
“Bronny James does possess basketball talent and if developed correctly has the potential to have a long NBA career, and the best way to do that is for him to leave the Lakers and play overseas for a year or two once LeBron retires.”
“Bronny was drafted No. 55 overall out of USC, where he only started six out of 25 games for the Trojans. Bronny was 100% good enough to play for USC and played his role as a bench player who is good at defense and can sometimes add something on offense relatively well.”
“After his freshman season, he got drafted by the Lakers, where he would team up with his dad LeBron James. Everybody in the world knew Bronny wasn’t NBA ready but he was still given an opportunity, and he just doesn’t look ready at all.”
“In Summer League he struggled offensively, averaging 8.8 points and 2.3 turnovers in 25 minutes a game and shooting 16% from three. Fast forward to the regular season, Bronny has been sharing time between Los Angeles and South Bay, the Lakers G-League team.”
“For the Lakers, he’s appeared in seven games and is averaging 2.6 minutes per game and is shooting 13% from the field, and in South Bay, he’s played three games where he is averaging 8.7/3/2.7 on 29% from the field and 0% from three.”
“Bronny’s game clearly wasn’t developed enough before he reached the NBA, as he only spent one season in college and didn’t play much.”
“Bronny does have defensive potential, enough to play a decently long career if he is able to develop other aspects of his game. With that being said, the best option for Bronny is to play overseas for a few years and then return to the NBA.”
As long as James is a member of the NBA, the USC product will receive constant reminders that he’s a prime example of nepotism in the big leagues.
Entering college, James was expected to solidify himself as a legitimate one-and-done prospect after one season.
However, a health scare and a slew of timid performances stunted the 6-foot-2 guard’s growth.
James hasn’t wowed fans in the seven NBA contests he’s appeared in this season, prompting many to criticize the Lakers’ decision to draft him in the second round of the 2024 draft.
Once James’ father, LeBron, finally leaves the NBA, James should consider honing his skills in a different country.
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