Back In The Day NBA

NBA Champion Gives Honest Take On Bronny James Situation

Shandel Richardson

Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks for a pass as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) defends during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks for a pass as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) defends during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Bronny James is easily the most discussed second-round pick in NBA history.

That's what happens when you're the son of LeBron James. After a short career at USC, Bronny caused a stir when he was chosen by the Lakers last June. It was met with criticism because many felt it was LeBron's doing.

This week, Bronny was sent to the Lakers' G League affiliate. Former NBA champion and Coach of the Year Avery Johnson weighed in.

"It was just announced that Bronny James from the Los Angeles Lakers is going to be assigned to the Lakers' G League," Johnson said in a video posted on X. "This is not really any breaking news. This was probably something that was decided before he was drafted."

Johnson, who won a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, said it was a good move.

"This young man probably needs a year or two in the G League to develop his game and see if he can ever become a rotation player or even better in the NBA.

If anything, Bronny's presence could help provide more exposure for G League players.

"It will be interesting to see the TV ratings when Bronny is playing," Johnson said. "How does he affect the ratings? Will he significantly improve at an accelerated rate? Lots of eyes are going to be on Bronny James in the G League as he continues to build out his professional career."

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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Shandel Richardson
SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Shandel has covered the NBA since 2010, with previous stops at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  He has covered six NBA Finals, one Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament. He has also been a beat writer for the Miami Hurricanes and contributed on every major beat in South Florida since 2003, including the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Shandel attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He's also worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kansas City Star.  TWITTER: @ShandelRich EMAIL: shandelrich@gmail.com