The Los Angeles Lakers have buried Bronny James on the bench, but fans refuse to realize that he is not an NBA player. Supporters are trying to convince head coach JJ Redick to give him a shot, and want him to shine. The building erupts whenever the 21-year-old enters the game, and many still believe he can be an impactful rotation piece, despite significant evidence to the contrary.
Bronny appeared in just 29 games before the All-Star break and has played more than ten minutes five times. He has been mostly limited to mop-up duties. The 6’2 guard averages just 2.2 points and 1.2 assists in 7.3 minutes per game for the year. He has produced a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in the limited action, but that isn’t the worst part.
James is even struggling when getting minutes in the G League. For the season, he has a 10.19 PER with South Bay, which is significantly worse than the league average. NBA players dominate the developmental league. Sadly, Bronny isn’t even in the top 50 percent against inferior competition, and the Lakes just assigned him back there.
Lakers fans refuse to realize Bronny James doesn’t belong in the NBA
The fit in Los Angeles is problematic. Luka Doncic is a ball-dominant superstar. The Lakers also have Austin Reaves and LeBron James to feed. Their star trio will handle the ball and initiate the offense. That leaves their role players in off-ball positions as spot-up shooters or closeout attackers.
Bronny’s questionable jumper makes that a problem. He has made just 33.9 percent of his 59 3-point attempts for his career. Teams are certainly not guarding the 21-year-old, which can make it difficult to produce on the offensive end. Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz believes Bronny is struggling with his aggressiveness. Sadly, there is no reason to think he will suddenly ramp it up.
Even in a more on-ball role, the purple and gold can’t expect much from the 21-year-old. He turns the ball over too much and is far from an elite passer. In his 28 career G-League games, Bronny averages 3.3 turnovers per game. He is a man without a position on offense.
On the other end, LeBron’s son is an undersized guard. He competes hard, but is below average at best.
It is impossible to play a guard that can’t shoot, make plays, or defend. Bronny is barely old enough to drink legally in the United States, but he doesn’t belong on the NBA court. He may improve enough to earn a reserve role. If it happens, that is years away from reality. Bronny must make massive improvements to even be TJ McConnell or Jose Alvarado on an NBA floor.
Los Angeles Lakers fans must stop the facade. Bronny James is not an NBA player right now and is unlikely to ever be an impactful rotation player. He wasn’t selected until the late second round for several reasons. NBA teams know this, and Lakers fans must accept the brutal truth. It just isn’t going to work.