Although I think some other players (both on the Lakers and leaguewide) could be offended that Bronny is "taking time" away from more "deserving" players (i.e. better at the present moment), I personally can't be angry at him or LeBron (Dad), and I think a large majority of players leaguewide feel the same way.
LeBron is respected by many as the GOAT, and if not, everyone has tremendous respect for his legacy and longevity.
He is being a Dad. What Dad would not want to do what he can to make his child's dreams come true. This is fatherhood. This is love. If we imagined that LeBron was Kobe, and Kobe urged the Lakers to put a simply "NBA-passable" Gianna on the team, I don't think we'd be complaining.
If you disregard the above, and think that this is not Bronny's dream—that in fact he is being "forced" in any way to play—that's all the more reason not to have any hate for Bronny. As others have said the amount of pressure on him is absolutely insane. We've seen no signs whatsoever that he's egotistical in any way. In fact, the most common critique leveled on him is that he "defers too much."
Again, I can definitely see the other viewpoint. But I think the view I've given here is equally valid. And I would venture many of the players in the league feel the same way.
In this case, I think most people actually hate the game and not the player. The "game" here goes beyond just drafting Bronny. It's the guaranteed contract, only playing G-league home games and the potential effect on team chemistry.
Sure fathers may pull some strings to help their kids. Maybe that helped Shaq's kid and Pippen's kid get a G league spot, but once there those guys had to make it themselves. Worked for Pippen Jr but not Shareef.
I'm not sure I understand throwing Bronny in against the Sixers. If he was going to do that, it should have been in the Wizards game.
JJ admitted that it was tough situation to put him in so that is on the coach.
Regardless, on the main squad, no player is shielded from criticism. Play well or like Kobe said: "Ship his ass out" as the Laker standard is championship or bust.
This is why bench players should never complain, people get hurt, and you have to stay ready to perform when your number is called.
I'm very high on Bronny, but he is going to take time to develop. I view it similar to what we are seeing with Max Christie this year.
I think JJ took a chance base on he's last few games in the G-league, also with Gabe still hurt. It just back fired a bit. It just happened on the night AD went down.
Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 21677 Location: In a white room, with black curtains near the station
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 12:20 pm Post subject:
I gotta say I do like that Bronny is staying grounded and making himself accountable for the defense, even when his own defensive stats were good. On the downside, he scored 16, but needed 17 shots to get there. Not good for a G League game.
The defensive numbers tell me he's putting in some work out there. Also he's not putting this on others, taking it on himself to improve his defense and close out games.
He's not ready for the NBA but that attitude and hard work wins my respect more than false bravado by a long ways.
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 53276 Location: LA to the Bay
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 9:12 pm Post subject:
WHEW! He sounded exactly like his dad - sonically and verbally - to start this post game interview. Wow that was crazy. (he even said "keeping the main thing the main thing")
I swear that intro isn't the same without AD going "Go Lakers! LakeShow!" _________________ How NBA 2K18 failed the All-Time Lakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxMBYm3wwxk
I remember in one of my earlier defenses of Bronny, that IF he develops his 3 point stroke and develops defensively like he has the potential to do... he'd be a good off guard for a guy like Luka. Obviously this was way before we actually got Luka.
My hope is that like GP2 and Caruso before him, he ends up being able to guard "up" so he can be a switchier defender
Still not a big fan of him getting so many on ball reps. Maybe a hot take but I want him to be treated as a guy with limited on ball potential so he can really maximize being an off ball worker
Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 3481 Location: Worldwide
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 6:44 am Post subject:
tox wrote:
Still not a big fan of him getting so many on ball reps. Maybe a hot take but I want him to be treated as a guy with limited on ball potential so he can really maximize being an off ball worker
He has played mainly off ball/combo guard role up until this point so I think the on ball reps reading pick and rolls, taking shots with confidence is good for him.
Practicing off ball work without a good PG is not going to help him develop, especially in the G where there is less incentive to pass the ball. Guys are looking to score deals in the league or overseas.
On the main squad, he will need to be able to hit catch and shoot threes, defend at a high level, and provide energy.
He can utilize attacking with the ball and finishing through contact, or finding the open man for the three, he is not a selfish player, and I believe he is showing more of what he can do on the floor especially when playing with a chip on his shoulder _________________ The most important shot in basketball.
He’s not quite NBA ready but The kid is getting better each G-League outing.
IMO in time he will be a serviceable NBA player.
That poster slam was “noice.”
Bronny James finished the victory with 28 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 12/23 from the field and 3/9 from the three-point range. Go Bronny!!
Kinda funny that he's starting to outplay Olivari. _________________ It was reminiscent of one of those Most Interesting Man in the World advertisements: "I don't always shoot 6-for-28 from the field, but when I do, I become the youngest player in league history to score 28,000 career points."
Kinda funny that he's starting to outplay Olivari.
Olivari is playing well though. He scored 22 pts. last night.
Right. But there were some suggesting that Bronny was undeserving and denying Olivari an opportunity. So it's somewhat ironic that Bronny has been just as good and at times better than him especially since he's younger with less experience. May ultimately end up the better player but still too early to determine. _________________ It was reminiscent of one of those Most Interesting Man in the World advertisements: "I don't always shoot 6-for-28 from the field, but when I do, I become the youngest player in league history to score 28,000 career points."
Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 21677 Location: In a white room, with black curtains near the station
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 11:29 am Post subject:
manlisten wrote:
pio2u wrote:
manlisten wrote:
Kinda funny that he's starting to outplay Olivari.
Olivari is playing well though. He scored 22 pts. last night.
Right. But there were some suggesting that Bronny was undeserving and denying Olivari an opportunity. So it's somewhat ironic that Bronny has been just as good and at times better than him especially since he's younger with less experience. May ultimately end up the better player but still too early to determine.
Yeah I was one of those critics. At this stage it's a close call between them, your assessment is spot on IMO.
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