The Bronny James saga with the Lakers has made progress over the past few weeks. Originally he wasn’t participating in away games in the G-League during his assignment with the South Bay Lakers. Nevertheless, that has since changed and has greatly impacted him. However, some figures have already declared that Bronny’s recent success is deserving of NBA action. However, Chander Parsons disagrees with that sentiment, believing that a call-up to the NBA will only stunt Bronny’s growth.
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Parsons took to FanDuel TV’s Run It Back to discuss the current state of Bronny’s status with the Lakers. The former NBA player didn’t hesitate to share his opinion regarding Bronny’s ability to compete in the NBA. He said,
“This isn’t the business of pleasing LeBron James, it’s the business of winning basketball games. Bronny James won’t help the Lakers win basketball games right now. But he can help the G-League team win basketball games and he can help his career and slowly come along and develop.”
Bronny's growth will be stunted in the NBA 😬
Plus, the Lakers have more deserving candidates waiting to be called up in the G League
"(The Lakers do) not just bump guys to the NBA level because of their last name." – @ChandlerParsons
📺 https://t.co/38dteoWZhV pic.twitter.com/Zmr6TX5byD
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 23, 2024
Bronny struggled in his first experience of the G-League but has since begun to thrive. On December 12, against the Valley Suns, Bronny finished with his best performance since his high school career. The 6-foot-3 guard finished with 30 points, three rebounds and two steals. This performance wouldn’t have been possible if he were sitting at the end of the Lakers bench.
He is yet to receive meaningful minutes in the NBA due to his game requiring more refining. Parsons hammers home this point, claiming the Lakers shouldn’t be in the business to please LeBron by giving his son minutes. Moreover, the Lakers can’t afford to experiment as they look to claw their way back into title contention.
Chandler Parsons has been critical of Bronny in the past
The former Maverick has never been afraid to voice his opinion regarding Bronny James. Before the 2024 NBA Draft, Parsons didn’t mince any words regarding Bronny’s place in the NBA. “Bronny James hasn’t even come close to reaching his potential,” Parsons said. “But with that being said, he also hasn’t done enough to be drafted to an NBA team without being Bronny James.”
"Bronny James hasn't even come close to reaching his potential…But with that being said, he also hasn't done enough to be drafted to an NBA team without being Bronny James."@ChandlerParsons on Bronny James pic.twitter.com/0zDpWmKzVf
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 13, 2024
Parson’s comments resonated among basketball fans across the world. Bronny wasn’t a standout player during his sole season at USC. Despite dealing with off-the-court health concerns, the young guard averaged only 4.8 points per game.
The former NBA player insinuated that Bronny should’ve stayed in college to refine his game. However, due to his standing as LeBron’s son, his spot in the NBA was guaranteed. As a result, Bronny will have to use the G-League as his tool to bring his game up to NBA standards.
