NBA Exec Downplays Bronny James, Lakers Criticism: ‘A Lot to Do About Nothing’

The criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft choice of Bronny James has grown louder as the No. 55 overall pick and son of Lakers superstar LeBron James struggles on the offensive end through three summer league games (5.0 PPG on 6-of-26 shooting, 0-of-12 from three).

However, one unnamed veteran NBA executive told Steve Bulpett of Heavy that he believes the controversy is “a lot do about nothing.”

“I don’t think it’s a stretch at all for him to be a 55th pick,” the executive said.

“You could say it is after the year he had as a freshman, but what he accomplished leading up to his freshman year and he played really well in the (NBA Draft) Combine — and he had one really good day at the Combine — all that part? That makes him more than a valid pick.

“I would take Bronny over I-don’t-know-how-many players in that second round. I think all the controversy stuff is a lot to do about nothing.”

On one hand, James has endured a tough stretch on the offensive end, especially from three-point range. He didn’t factor much on offense over the first two games then showed more aggression in the third against the Houston Rockets.

James got off to a good start with six first-quarter points but only finished with eight overall en route to a 3-of-14 shooting day (0-of-8 from three).

On the other hand, James is three games into summer league play. He won’t be the first drafted player to struggle in summer league to start his pro career, and he won’t be the last.

The Lakers aren’t calling on him to contribute in the rotation right away, and he’ll be given plenty of time to develop in the G League. Plus, he’s shown some good things on the defensive end, amassing five steals so far.

Ultimately, James shouldn’t be judged on three summer league games. Yes, it’s a rough start, but he hasn’t even registered his first official minute on an NBA court. There’s a long way to go.