Bronny James’s debut with the South Bay Lakers in the G League has reignited the ongoing conversation about his readiness for the NBA, and Charles Barkley’s prediction on Bronny’s career path is now being viewed with renewed clarity.
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Bronny’s G League debut raises questions
Despite a packed crowd at UCLA Health Training Center and high ticket prices-soaring up to $175, according to SeatGeek-Bronny’s performance revealed areas that require further refinement.
Bronny finished with six points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the South Bay Lakers’ 110-96 win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
While these numbers were a step up from his earlier performance with the Lakers, his shooting (2-for-9 overall and 0-for-4 from three-point range) and five turnovers highlighted the need for additional growth.
The G League, while competitive, doesn’t match the intensity Bronny would face against NBA starters, emphasizing his need for experience.
Charles Barkley, a former NBA star known for his candid analysis, has been vocal about Bronny’s developmental path.
Barkley previously shared on The Dan Patrick Show that the G League would be the right move for Bronny: “I think he needs to go to the G League so he can get better as a basketball player. He’s not going to get better sitting on the bench… He needs to play basketball. The only way you get better at playing any sport is playing that sport.”
In his debut, Bronny received support from teammate Quincy Olivari, who expressed optimism, saying, “I think I’m a big advocate on pushing that he’s a great basketball player and that the criticism he gets is unfair.”
Olivari’s words reflect the encouragement Bronny needs to navigate the heightened expectations that come with his last name.
As Barkley’s comments now echo with added relevance, only time will tell if this G League experience will shape Bronny’s growth and ultimately bring him closer to the NBA.
As of now, his journey continues under the watchful eyes of NBA fans and commentators, including Barkley, who remains unafraid to tell it as he sees it.
