The future hangs in suspense for Bronny James. His preseason hasn’t been flattering, and the talks of G-League action spearheaded by Zach Guthrie also heightened. Most agree, including James, who wants to play “any basketball”. However, Kenyon Martin also pointed out the dangers of this move. He fears his peers, who make less money, would try “to dog walk that young boy”.
“I think it’s a mistake for them to send him to the G League… Heaven forbid he go down there and not play well at all… Day one, you’re making more money than everybody in the G League… They’re going at you. Them dudes are 28, 29, 30…” the Gil’s Arena panelist honestly admitted.
However, what about the much-talked-about readiness these days?
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Ultimately, the point of moving to the G-League is just that. Bronny James would get the opportunity to test himself against those challenging for an NBA spot. There is a chance that they harbor spite. However, it would better prepare the 20-year-old for the grueling demands of the top league. According to Dan Patrick, with what he has seen so far, Bronny isn’t equipped for the league.
“He should be spending the entire season in the G-League, because of the pressure that’s on him. I watched him against Golden State the other night… But I was watching for Dalton Knecht because that guy can play. Bronny comes in and you can’t help but root for him, but he’s just not ready to contribute and it’s almost like ‘Hey let’s put Bronny.’ They were chanting Bronny, they wanted him to play! I don’t think he’s going to be up there,” the revered analyst said on The Sports Reporters .
Around the Lakers roster building, that does seem to be a common understanding. JJ Redick has professed about using the G-League as an ‘extension’ of the Lakers and is heavily invested in the development unit. In hindsight, it is also beneficial for Bronny James to play away from the expectations meter and pressure of being under the microscope for every nanosecond.
But is there ANY way that Bronny can benefit the Lakers, despite not being ready?
Bronny James’ presence could keep Papa “engaged”
Even in terms of his impact, with freedom and comfort, the 20-year-old played well against the Warriors. He compiled 17 points, his highest since arriving in the NBA, and looked composed while doing so. But holistically, the hooper hasn’t attained the consistency to do it on a nightly basis just yet. So how can he impact the Lakers? Dan Patrick thinks having him could uplift his father, LeBron.
“If it helps LeBron, keeps LeBron engaged, keeps LeBron in a Laker uniform. If he wants to play, then I think it’s a positive. How many guys drafted 55th do you go ‘Whatever happened to him? What a bust’. he was drafted 55th maybe he gets to play a little bit there. It’s a cute story. Do I think it ruined the Lakers or mean they’re not serious as DeMarcus Cousins said recently? No,” Dan Patrick explained.
It’s no secret that LeBron James loves to have his elder son check in to the practice facility with him. He has found a new sense of “joy” this season, one that can’t draw parallels to any of his pristine 21 prior NBA campaigns. It can act as a morality boost for not just the Akron Hammer, but the roster around him, too.
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via Imago
Each game, which is either way packed with fans, will have a whole new system to cheer for. The only drawback of keeping him with the main team is the lack of playing minutes. Bronny James is currently at a pivotal stage in his NBA career. He is yet to accustom himself to the intensity, and in order to do so needs to log as many minutes as he possibly can during the course of the year.
As opposed to him, Dalton Knecht, having played five years of college basketball, is seasoned and well-prepped to become an instant rotation member for the Lakers. Even JJ Redick has said, “He’s ready to play in the NBA.”
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But his fellow rookie, Bronny James, is yet to earn those stripes. The G-League, filled with opportunities, can provide the 20-year-old with the necessary boost he needs to build confidence in his own game.
How would you want the Lakers to oversee Bronny James? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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