Charles Barkley has provided an honest assessment of Bronny James, son of the Lakers legend LeBron James, ahead of the new NBA season.
Charles Barkley and Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James has been making the headlines for all the unwanted reasons lately. His recent showings with the Lakers have been abysmal. However, not much is expected from a rookie in his first season.
NBA analysts and experts are still not sold on the prospect’s game regarding the NBA. Former NBA legend, Charles Barkley is one of them. Barkley recently shared his honest and blunt take on Bronny, the Lakers’ 55th overall pick.
Being the son of LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is not easy. While Barkley noted that, he opined that Bronny does not have what it takes to perform consistently in the NBA every week. In addition, Barkley termed Bronny an ‘unfinished product.’
They cant just put him out there, he’s not a finished product yet… It’s not going to be easy because he has a target on his back because of his last name.
Charles Barkley said on the Throwbacks podcast
All that said, Bronny is known for his hard-working mentality. The former USC Trojans player knows what it takes to be a success in the NBA. Bronny also has the complete support of Lakers head coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka. Both have praised the rookie for his mentality and stated that he needs to develop over the year.
Another NBA legend weighs in on Bronny James’ NBA move
Magic Johnson, a former Los Angeles Lakers player, strongly disapproved Bronny James wearing the purple and gold. Bronny drew a lot of attention when the Lakers selected him with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, even though he has no collegiate basketball experience.
If I’m Bronny (James), I would tell my dad to just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop, he needs playing time. He doesn’t need to be sitting on the Lakers bench and not playing. That’s not a knock against him.
Magic Johnson said in an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show
Despite being a McDonald’s All-American All-Star during his high school years, Bronny did not play much in his only season (2023–2024) at USC due to a heart issue. He averaged 19.3 minutes per game while playing in just 25 games overall.
