The Los Angeles Lakers only had 12 players healthy for their matchup against the Kings on Oct. 26, and Bronny James still couldn’t get in the game. Three of those options were on two-way contracts. Head coach JJ Redick played eight and never went to the 21-year-old in the first half. Even when Gabe Vincent was injured in the third quarter, Redick trusted Chris Manon, a two-way player, over Bronny. It appears he wasn’t even a thought, and it couldn’t be clearer that Bronny isn’t an NBA player at this stage.
The 6’2 guard did play three minutes of garbage time in the win over the Timberwolves. He missed his only shot and committed a personal foul to start his second NBA season. This all came after a disastrous preseason. Bronny isn’t ready for NBA minutes, and coach Redick is keeping him from being in over his head.
LeBron’s son just turned 21, but not being trusted when the Lakers have nowhere else to turn is a problem. Most teams use these opportunities to let young players get reps and develop their games. Redick clearly has no trust in Bronny, and it could foreshadow a future move by the Lakers.
Bronny James is not an NBA player at this stage of his career
Lakers fans love Bronny and want him to become an impactful rotation player, but it is just not happening. He showed some development in the G League last season, and James looks ticketed to return to South Bay when their season kicks off. Lakers fans should not expect to see him on the NBA floor unless it is a blowout at this stage.
Luka Doncic is out at least one week as the injuries are starting to mount for the Lakers. They need all the help they can get at this stage, which could force the front office to make a difficult decision on Bronny.
Los Angeles wants to compete for a championship. They need every player to be able to contribute to make this dream a reality. Bronny can’t even get a minute against the Kings when six players, including their two superstars, were sidelined with injuries. Redick’s stance on Bronny couldn’t be clearer at this stage. He is not trusted and won’t get minutes unless the game is already decided.
Lakers fans don’t want to accept this reality, but Redick uses anyone over Bronny. The need was there on Sunday night, but it was a two-way player that missed the entire preseason over LeBron’s eldest son when LA had to go somewhere.
The Los Angeles Lakers must end the Bronny James experiment and trade him for someone ready to help them immediately. That is the price of having a prime superstar like Luka Doncic leading your roster. The 21-year-old still has a chance to become a rotation player, but the Lakers cannot afford to wait. Sadly, it is just not happening for Bronny. Experts knew he wasn’t a rotation player, and Lakers fans are finally getting that harsh wake-up call.
