The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing sending Bronny James to the G League for the 2024-25 season because he “remains far from a rotation-caliber player.”
News of which comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched more than five minutes of NBA basketball. Or Bronny James tape.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that Bronny will be used “primarily” in the developmental league for the upcoming season, throwing a wrench – at least temporarily – in LeBron’s dreams of teaming up with his son on the court.
“And though Bronny James had an impressive end to summer league, at least by his modest expectations, the Lakers plan on using him primarily in the G League as he remains far from a rotation-caliber player,” Buha wrote.
The reporter adds that Bronny is taking one of “six roster spots being used by players who probably won’t help the Lakers next season — if ever.” Ouch.
James spent much of his summer league unable to buy a bucket, but did post some decent numbers in his last two games.
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Bronny James Stuck In The G League
Bronny James being relegated to the G League means the Lakers are paying over $1.1 million for their second-round pick to marinate in a developmental league.
Which might not sound like a lot in today’s sporting world, but you have to consider a couple of things: The younger James’ contract is guaranteed and stands at four years and $7.9 million. And most G League players have one-year contracts starting at $40,500.
$8 million, four years on a roster spot, and toiling away in the G League. All for the No. 55 pick in the draft. All of the time, money, resources, and space meant for a more deserving player.
You know, one who is actually, unlike Bronny James, a “rotation-caliber player.”
James shot 13% from three-point range during the Summer League. He shot just 32% from the floor overall. He shot 62% from the free-throw line.
If he were asked to hit a cow’s butt with a barn door, he’d probably struggle there as well.
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Bronny’s Teammates Weren’t Happy That He Got Special Treatment
Bronny James spending time in the G League may not make his teammates too happy either. Some players in the Summer League complained about LeBron’s son getting special treatment.
“I mean, he was treated as someone apart, not like all of us, and that is very annoying as we didn’t feel any chemistry in this group of players,” one player said.
The Lakers have set themselves up for an absolute disaster in the 2024-25 season. They were the only club willing to crater their roster as a means to placate LeBron.
And now, there’s a chance Bronny and he might not be able to share time on the court. It’s going to suck if LeBron ends up sulking because his dream of playing with his son has been shattered.
Who knows? Maybe Bronny develops his game in the G League to the point where he earns a roster spot? And maybe he’ll do so before his father – who will be 40 next season – retires.
Either way, Showtime in LA has turned into an absolute circus.
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