Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Makes Bold Statement About Bronny James

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken plenty of heat for drafting Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

But one of James’ most outspoken supporters in recent weeks has been his boss, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

While most have a hard time seeing past the seemingly obvious signs of nepotism that led to the Lakers using a second-round pick on James (his father LeBron reportedly had a lot to do with L.A. drafting his son), Buss has been quick to point out that Bronny has been unfairly judged simply because of his last name.

“We have to let the kid have an opportunity to play and prove that he should be in a Laker uniform,” Buss told AM 570 LA Sports . “Everything that we’ve seen from him and about him and his work ethic and just some of the things that he’s had to overcome, being the son of a big star, he works hard, he’s dedicated and he really wants to do this. If we can have a roster of players with that same mentality, then I think the sky is the limit.”

Bronny’s Summer League performance left much to be desired.

The 19-year-old guard averaged six points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 32.7% from the field and just 13% from 3-point range. It took him a few games to settle into any sort of rhythm, but once he did, he actually started playing better.

The Lakers have the luxury of not needing the USC alum to step right in and make an immediate impact this season. The tentative plan is for L.A. to start Bronny in the G League and let him ease into his transition to pro basketball.

With the pressure off and expectations lowered, Bronny and the Lakers front office seem content to let him take his rookie year to learn a new system and develop at whatever pace he’s comfortable with.

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