Honestly, I was surprised to learn that Bronny James is back with the Los Angeles Lakers. Initially, he was only set to play home games with the South Bay Lakers. The Lakers assigned him to the G League with the understanding that he would only participate in home games, transitioning to the main Lakers roster when the South Bay team was on the road.

However, the reality is that Bronny’s development as a player is questionable. In his recent appearance for the Lakers, he didn’t even step onto the court but spent the entire game on the bench. This raises a critical question: how can a player who many believe isn’t ready for the NBA develop by simply riding the bench?

In his first game with the South Bay Lakers, Bronny struggled significantly. He had five turnovers and his team performed poorly with him on the court. With a -5 rating during his time on the floor, it’s evident that he faced challenges that need to be addressed. It appears the Lakers’ strategy regarding Bronny is more about fulfilling LeBron James’ desire to play alongside his son than about actual player development.

Critics, including ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, have pointed out that this situation is problematic. Windhorst has covered LeBron for over two decades, and he believes that the Lakers are giving Bronny excessive special treatment that may not be in his best interest. He argues that Bronny should be playing in G League road games to gain valuable experience, rather than switching between teams without real game time.

The question remains: how is Bronny James expected to develop as a player when he is not getting substantial playing time? His situation is reminiscent of other athletes who have had to earn their way through hard work and competition. Take Michael Jordan, for example. In 1993, he left the NBA to play baseball, humbling himself by riding buses in the minor leagues. He didn’t receive any favoritism; he had to prove himself on his own merits.

Currently, Bronny is averaging only a few points per game with a shooting percentage that raises eyebrows. The special treatment he’s receiving is hard to justify given his performance. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if the Lakers are truly interested in developing Bronny, or if they are simply indulging a fantasy of LeBron playing alongside his son.

As it stands, Bronny’s path in the NBA looks uncertain. The Lakers, while not performing poorly overall, have their own challenges to address. Without meaningful game experience, it’s difficult to see how Bronny can progress. The reality is stark: he needs to earn his place through hard work, not just family connections.

What do you think about this situation? Is it time for the Lakers to change their approach with Bronny, or are they right to let him ease into the league? Let’s discuss in the comments!