Bronny James has been under pressure since being drafted by the LA Lakers in 2024 due to his average performance. His lackluster play led many to believe he wouldn’t be playing in the Lakers’ first game.
However, with his dad, LeBron, also on the team, the excitement around the father-son duo is high. So, NBA insiders widely believe his inclusion on the Lakers’ opening roster.
Zach Lowe of ESPN reported on The Bill Simmons Podcast that Bronny and LeBron James would play in the Lakers’ season-opening game against the Timberwolves on October 22.
He said, “He is 100 percent playing in the opening game so they can have a moment together. That’s going to happen, so they [can] pass to each other or whatever it ends up being.”
Even though Bronny isn’t fully ready for the NBA, he will have a special night with his dad in the season opener. And then he will likely spend most of his rookie year honing his skills in the G League.
NBA Insider fears Bronny James might disappoint Lakers
In the podcast, Bill Simmons discussed LeBron and Bronny’s playing together and characterized it as both “cool” and “weird.” He noted that Bronny didn’t seem ready for the NBA during the Summer League. Simmons believes the Lakers could face criticism if they choose to play Bronny solely to please LeBron James.
He also mentioned that Lakers players were upset because too much focus was on Bronny, not the team. If Bronny doesn’t do well, critics might accuse the Lakers of favoritism.
He believes it would be better for the Lakers to let Bronny improve in the G League before moving him up to the NBA.
