ESPN NBA writer rips Lakers' 'special treatment' for Bronny James: 'He's gone too far'
Bronny James' schedule this year is unlike what other NBA rookies will face. The Los Angeles Lakers intend for him to play for their G League South Bay Lakers only in home games.
Playing only home games for the South Bay, Bronny will not fly to the team's road contests, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on “The Hoop Collective” podcast.
In Windhorst's view, the Lakers' treatment of James, the son of superstar LeBron James, “was too extreme.”
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland Oct. 30, 2024. (Ken Blaze/Images)
“Honestly, I know he was getting some special treatment and discrimination. It's okay. I don't care. It's normal,” Windhorst, who has covered LeBron since his days in St. Louis. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he said. “Now, I think it actually hurts him. I don't like that. I don't know whose idea it was. Obviously, the Lakers are fine with it. They do it.
“In this instance, I think that's gone too far, and I don't think that's in Bronny's best interest. I don't think it's in the South Bay Lakers' best interest. And I don't think it's in LeBron's best interest at that point.”
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James' father and son duo became the first to share an NBA court together during the Lakers' opening night win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last month.
Since then, Bronny has been used sparingly by new coach JJ Redick, seeing limited minutes in six of the Lakers' 10 games. Bronny has collected four points.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) shoots to defend Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland Oct. 30, 2024. (Ken Blaze/Images)
In his G League debut on Saturday, Bronny registered six points, four assists and three rebounds in 31 minutes.
Windhorst can't wrap his head around not getting the full G League experience to help develop Bronny.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 28, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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The Lakers are 6-4 to start the season, which places them in seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
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