Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James remains a hot topic in NBA circles. Many still don't think LeBron's eldest son is ready to play in the association and should be better off in the G League.
Previously, NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkey were among the most prominent names to say that Bronny should spend the upcoming season honing his skills in the G League. You can add veteran podcaster Dan Patrick to the list.
"They're just going to give him a celebratory appearance like opening night and then maybe on Christmas," said Patrick on ESPN's The Sports Reporters show. "He'll be there. I think he should be spending the entire season in the G League because of the pressure that's on him…you can't help but root for him, but he's just not ready to contribute."
Keeping LeBron engaged
Despite showing some signs of promise in his final preseason appearance, LeBron Jr. has drawn criticism for his poor play for the Lakers. Bronny shot just 29.7% from the floor and 8.3% from three-point distance while registering a -60 in plus/minus during six games played.
But while Patrick believes USC product should spend the year in the developmental league, he also believes that his value is more than just the stats. According to the former ESPN anchor, he does not object to the Lakers keeping Bronny around if it gives extra motivation to his legendary father, who will be playing in his 22nd NBA season.
"If it helps keep LeBron engaged, keeps LeBron in a Laker uniform, he wants to play, then I think it's a positive," added Patrick. "How many guys drafted 55th, you go, 'Whatever happened to him? What a bust.' He was drafted 55th. Maybe he gets to play a little bit there."
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Teague says Giannis needed Thanasis
Patrick's thoughts on Bronny remind us somewhat of what former NBA guard Jeff Teague said about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo . In one of the episodes of Club 520, Teague said "Greek Freak" didn't play as well if he did not see his brother; hence Thanasis was valuable to the Bucks .
"Giannis' brother, when we went down 0-2, he had COVID, so he couldn't come to the plane. That's why we went down 0-2. Giannis was messed up. Like him and his brother, bro, they got some different kind of connection. He can't function or play if he doesn't see his brother. I'm being for real. It was different, bro," Teague said .
Not that LeBron can't play without Bronny or plays bad without him because he's done so for 21 years, but as Patrick says, if his son's presence gives him that extra push, it's going to be good for the Lakers. The Bucks were always heavily criticized for keeping Thanasis on their payroll, but they insisted, for Giannis' sake. There is that same vibe in L.A., and we'll see what happens when the season starts.
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