Charles Barkley’s comment about rookie Bronny James has been making rounds online. During a recent appearance on the Bettor Angle podcast, the NBA legend shared his honest thoughts on the Lakers’ plan to shuffle rookie Bronny James between the NBA and the team’s G League squad.
Earlier this year, Bronny James and LeBron James made history as the first father-son duo to play side-by-side in the NBA. However, things do not seem to be going as planned, as Bronny isn’t getting as much spotlight as fans expected.
With the Laker’s plan to shuffle him between the G League squad and the NBA, most people’s reservations were confirmed: Bronny is probably not going to make it in the NBA!
Consequently, Barkley went all out, criticizing the Lakers and Bronny’s father, LeBron James, for the unique plan. “They’ve handled it awful,” the NBA legend said. “I thought it was great; a little ceremony his first game. But the kid is not ready to play in the NBA.”
Why Did Charles Barkley Make Such a Comment?
NBA legend Charles Barkley believes Bronny James is not ready for the NBA, but he does not say that because he hates the young upstart. Indeed, Barkley’s comment seems to come from a place of concern. The former NBA star believes Bronny needs to be in the G League for now because it is where he can develop his skills, given how much field time he’ll be getting.
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“He’s not going to get better sitting on the bench,” Barkley said. “This thing where he’s only gonna play home games? It’s stupid,” Barkley continued. “It’s not fair to him. It’s not fair to the team. Can you imagine the coach of that team?”
Barkley believes the decision isn’t fair to Bronny, 20, and does not speak well for the team or LeBron. “You come off a road trip, and there’s a player you ain’t seen in a week or two. And then you feel like you probably gotta play him,” Barkley said.
Notably, Bronny has played two games so far with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, averaging five points and three assists in 28.5 minutes per game. Hence, Charles Barkley’s comments aren’t far-fetched.
Charles Barkley’s Comment Comes After Criticism From Experts
In recent weeks, there has been criticism from sports experts and commentators who think Bronny is getting special treatment by being allowed only to play home games for the Lakers’ G League. On Thursday, November 7, the Lakers franchise formally announced Bronny will join the South Bay roster.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said in October that moving Bronny to the G League was always part of the plan from the beginning of his time with the NBA. “The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the plan since day one. Rob and I have talked about that. LeBron’s talked about that,” said Redick.
Bronny will divide his time between the two teams, but Redick has said that could change at any moment. “Our plans are always fluid based on real-time,” he said.
Why Does Charles Barkley Hate the Lakers?
It is uncertain if Charles Barkley’s hatred for the Lakers is genuine. However, he has a history of being critical of teams with high media attention, like the Lakers. There are also rumors it may be because of a failed trade involving him and the Lakers while he was a player.
According to multiple sources, Barkley was supposed to be traded to the Lakers, but the deal was rescinded, which left him bitter toward the team.
Barkley also never won an NBA championship during his career, but the Lakers have a storied history, with 17 titles.
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Is Charles Barkley Hating on Bronny James?
Charles Barkley’s comment about the Lakers’ handling of Bronny James may seem like a hateful statement, but it seems to be coming from a place of concern. Barkley worries that their plans for Bronny will stifle his growth and career, but this remains to be seen.
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