The ‘Ringer NBA’ show recently released a new episode, featuring host Kevin O’Connor engaging in a conversation with NBA journalist Wosny Lambre while cruising the streets of Los Angeles. They kicked things off by highlighting the not-so-recent news that Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, has declared for the NBA draft after only one collegiate season with the University of South Carolina. Despite the fact that Lambre, along with some other individuals, reportedly believes that the upcoming NBA draft is a “historically weak” one, he still wouldn’t consider someone like Bronny to be a potential pick during the same.
“A guard who is 6’2 and under and averaging four points a game, or whatever it is…. that’s never been anybody’s version of an NBA prospect” said Lambre. “I’m not saying that one day he cannot make himself into a credible player, but Bronny James has shown zero indication”.
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The reporter/analyst clarified that he did not hold only that specific opinion about the young player. He believed that Bronny’s strength lay in his work ethic, his athleticism, how he had a “great nose for the ball”, his basketball IQ, and more. In the end, however, the 19-year-old’s poor stats are the thing that will continue undermining his position as an aspiring basketball player.
During the 25 games that he played as a guard for the USC Trojans, Bronny James only managed to accumulate an average score of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He went above 10 points on only two occasions, while he did not score even a single point during four of his games. Given the health scare that he faced back in August 2023, his on-court minutes were also limited, which caused his average playing time to remain at 19.4 minutes. The stat has now become the foundation for justifying why Bronny is not ready to be a part of the NBA world just yet.
Being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of the modern generation, the expectation and pressure to do well was undoubtedly high on the 19-year-old. Even before entering college, comparisons between his and his father’s high school stats ran rampant. Having made the decision to put forward his name for the NBA draft, that comparison is only going to rapidly intensify.
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Former Warriors coach highlighted LeBron James’ son’s NBA qualities
Bronny James’ draft announcement was reportedly met with skepticism from all sides. However, just like Wosny Lambre, there were people who believed that the young player had qualities that put him out as a better basketball when compared to others. Along with the analyst, another person who recently came out to draw attention to the same was Mark Jackson, the former head coach for the Golden State Warriors.
During an appearance on the ‘FanDuel TV’ show’s recent episode, Jackson was asked about his opinion on whether Bronny James should go ahead with his NBA dreams or hold off and spend some time in college before declaring for the ultimate league. The former coach highlighted LeBron’s earlier statement that he wished to play alongside his son on the same NBA team before he considered retirement and stated that any prospective team should call the four-time champion out on his “bluff” if they choose to welcome Bronny into their fold. Jackson, however, clarified that he suggested this move because of the advantage it held, not because he didn’t believe in the former USC player.
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“I think he’s a pro,” said Jackson about Bronny. “He needs time but he has NBA body, he’s an NBA-type defender at the perimeter position, he’s a guy that’s only going to get better”. Now it remains to see if Bronny James has what it takes to be considered a serious draft prospect.