The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first two preseason games, but fans saw a memorable moment on Sunday evening. LeBron James shared the floor with his eldest son in their loss to the Suns. It was historic as no father and son have ever played in the same NBA game. The Lakers drafting Bronny 55th overall this summer made it possible, and the duo will draw tons of attention this season.
The Lakers are winless to begin the ramp-up, but there have been several positives under new head coach J.J. Redick. Dalton Knecht is making a case to jump into the rotation immediately, and Max Christie looks ready for a larger role. There have been positives as the Lakes hope to return to contention.
LeBron James scored 15 points in the second quarter on Sunday night. He remains elite, but recreating the viral moment with his son is problematic. Bronny showed some flashes, but putting him on the floor for regular season NBA minutes will not end well.
Bronny James is not an NBA player right now
The 20-year-old rookie has played 29 minutes of preseason action, and it has not gone well. Fans can tout his defense and versatility, but the stats tell a different story.
The younger James had two points, one rebound, one assist, and three blocks in his debut, but was one of six from the field and a minus-12. In his second game, James missed his only field goal attempt and had four turnovers on his way to a minus-16 performance. That is minus-28 in 29 minutes on the floor, and this is preseason action with Bronny facing some less-than-NBA-quality units.
His three blocks in the opener were a positive, but what else is there to tout? He is one of seven from the field with five turnovers to one assist.
Bronny made just 16 of his 60 3-point attempts during his lone season at USC. It is not like the Lakers can use him as a floor spacer, but the 20-year-old cannot handle on-ball reps. He is a player without a position on offense, and the team has been crushed in his minutes.
If the Lakers plan on playing Bronny consistent minutes, it will be a serious problem. Even making a cameo next to his father could cost Los Angeles a game in a crowded Western Conference. One contest could be the difference between being in the Play-In Tournament and making the playoffs. Do the Lakers want to risk it by giving Bronny minutes when he isn’t ready?
LeBron James will share the floor with his son at some point this season. It will be a historic moment and another record for the GOAT.
Bronny James is not ready for a nightly role and should be used only in blowouts as a rookie. He will spend most of his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. The 20-year-old has room to grow and needs time to develop. The minutes should not come in Los Angeles or the Lakers will face a harsh reality that no team wants. Stay tuned to see how the Lakers play it.