The Los Angeles Lakers are set to have an even more drama-filled season than they’ve become accustomed to with LeBron James on the roster.
This season the Lakers are dealing with a first-year head coach with zero previous experience in JJ Redick, and also the presence of LeBron’s son, Bronny on the roster, who LeBron got the Lakers to draft in the second round of the NBA draft.
It was a pretty blatant example of nepotism given Bronny’s production at USC, or lack thereof. Bronny averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6 percent shooting in his lone season at the University of Southern California.
Now one of the greatest NBA players of all time is sounding off on the situation.
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley appeared on an episode of the “Throwbacks” podcast and Bronny was discussed heavily.
“It’s not going to be easy because he has a target on his back because of his last name,” Barkley said of the young player’s situation.
“There’s going to be a certain amount of petty jealousness from people, like, ‘You don’t deserve to be in the NBA.'”
Barkley’s advice to the Lakers was “to handle this thing with kid’s gloves, literally,” which is hardly something you’d say about someone whose ability you had confidence in. It’ll be interesting to see how Bronny’s NBA career pans out.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.