“We have to let the kid have an opportunity to play and prove that he should be in a Laker uniform.” Jeanie Buss recently supported Bronny James amid ongoing criticism about his playing status. The critics have been vocal ever since the son of LeBron James was announced for the draft. One of them is Vernon Maxwell, who indirectly hinted that the Lakers star pulled some strings to get his son drafted. But, the old foe of Michael Jordan, also spoke about the importance of the summer league and how it affects the players.

The 19-year-old did take part in the summer league, and his performance was praised by many such as Reggie Miller and Chet Holmgren. Maxwell, who played for thirteen years in the NBA, spoke about the toughest part of adjusting to the league. Highlighting that the Summer League is the perfect time for young players or players, in general, to get in the right mindset, Maxwell said via Sheed & Tyler, “But for these guys to come out here now and just be the man on the floor in the summer league is big for their psyche, mindset.”

The 2x NBA champion further added, “Going into the next season knowing they are a better player, knowing that what they did in the summer, they play is paying off. They gotten better from last year to the next year and that’s what it’s all about.” The Los Angeles Lakers #9 though he started slowly in the NBA Summer League, he managed to take it up a notch in back-to-back games with scoring reflecting in double digits. He scored 13 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.

Vernon Maxwell implied that playing in the summer league helps the rotation players build their game. Maybe it is the Summer League that gave Bronny the time to adjust and improve this performance as in the last 2 games, he did improve his performance with a score of 12 and 13 points, respectively. He further improved his shooting at 5-of-1o and 5-of-11 from the field.

Though he put up better numbers, the critics still found a way to nitpick the 19-year-old.

Vernon Maxwell found LeBron James’ strategy impressive

“LeBron, kudos, man. You’re a hell of a player, man. You got your son damn drafted. Sh–, that’s weird,” Maxwell told Jeff Teague a week ago on the Club 520 Podcast. Mad Max stated that he would do the same if he was in LeBron James’ shoes.

“I had to throw that sh– in there ’cause I got a son coming next year. Yeah, and I’m gonna put him in the goddamn combine. Yeah, average more than four points, and goddamn it, let’s get him a shot at this sh–, ’cause let’s see if we can get drafted No. 55.” Vernon Maxwell did say it sarcastically, but his son is in junior year representing the Hampton Pirates.

In the 30 games Tristan played, he could only manage to average 6.3 points, more than what Bronny James had during his spell at the USC Trojans. In the 25 games, he averaged modest numbers of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. But, before the cardiac arrest, Bronny was considered a top prospect. With an average of 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game as a senior at Sierra Canyon.

Bronny James got the opportunity to represent the Purple and Gold and he took it with both hands. With preseason games starting in October, the Lakers have time to bring out the best of Bronny. And with LeBron alongside, there is a huge upside, but it is difficult to tell if he will meet the expectations set by the critics.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.