NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
LeBron James is hurting Bronny James more than helping him. It may not seem like it now, but it will in due time. LeBron has spoken many times that he wants to play with Bronny in the NBA. As a father, that has to be an awesome feeling. However, LeBron is not looking at the bigger picture here. Bronny is not NBA-ready and truth be told, he may never be.
In just his freshman year at USC, Bronny is averaging just 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in just 20.5 minutes per game. None of those numbers scream 2024 NBA Draft. At the age of 39, LeBron, while still productive for the Los Angeles Lakers must continue to outpace Father Time.
Now, Bronny can make a significant jump in his sophomore season but that doesn’t seem likely. Hell, even in high school he was never THAT player. He was a reserve but since his dad is LeBron, the spotlight was shining on him brighter than his more talented teammates. It will be the same thing while he’s in college.
How much longer does LeBron have left in the NBA? Maybe 3-4 years? If so, then that falls right in line with Bronny’s graduation and the 2027 NBA Draft. But will his game mature to the point where he deserves a top spot over other players who do not share the same DNA and same last name as an NBA legend?
Hell, Michael Jordan kids didn’t make the league either. While LeBron is being a good father, he’s also putting unwanted pressure on his son, USC, the NCAA, and the NBA. LeBron James wants to play with his son and everyone is watching to see what Bronny does.
If his game does improve, what team will select him? And if they do, are they willing to take on LeBron who will be well over 40? Yes, ticket sales will fly through the roof just off emotion alone but will it be about winning or nostalgia?
Right now, Bronny has to hear what his dad is saying and do his best not to press the issue. He should have zero thoughts about coming out this year. And the coaches at USC should have zero thoughts of tailoring things for Bronny.
Is LeBron James Running Out Of Time
Bronny is a solid player but not NBA-ready. He may need all four years of college and then may need to head to the G-League or overseas to hone his game. But Bron is putting pressure on everyone to see this through and we all know, LeBron gets what he wants. But at what cost?
If Bronny leaves before he’s ready, then what? Will LeBron say “My bad?” As a father myself, I can understand the urge for this to happen, however, is everyone not seeing the bigger picture here? Instead of wanting to be next to Bronny on the same NBA floor, he should worry about Bronny and Bryce being on the same NBA floor together.
LeBron doesn’t have much time left, while Bronny still has time to develop into a top prospect. Do not take away what Bronny has to build to get to that point. He doesn’t have what his dad did at his age. His path will be a little harder and despite what many think, he’s doing it the right way. He’s taking his time. But what he doesn’t need is his powerful and influential dad in his ear and the media saying the things he’s saying.
This could all turn bad well before any good comes of this.
Love that LeBron wants to play with his son, but what about the fact that Bronny also has to be diligent about the fact that he has heart related problems. That would be my major worry, not focusing on them playing together. If I was his mother, that would be my main concern. LeBron should concentrate on watching his son play, rather than playing with him. Plus, I think that would put a lot of pressure on Bronny to try to be as good as his dad.
I think bronny is next level ready but another year in college would solidify him