ESPN NBA writer rips Lakers’ ‘special treatment’ of Bronny James: ‘Gone too far’

Bronny James’ schedule this year is unlike what other NBA rookies will go through. The Los Angeles Lakers intend for him to play only for their G League South Bay Lakers in home games.

Playing only home games for South Bay, Bronny will not fly to the team’s road contests, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on “The Hoop Collective” podcast.

In Windhorst’s opinion, the Lakers’ treatment of James, son of superstar LeBron James, “has gone too far.”

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Oct. 30, 2024. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

“Honestly, I know he got some special treatment and nepotism. That’s fine. I don’t care. That’s normal,” Windhorst, who has covered LeBron since his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, said. “Now I think it’s actually harmful to him. I don’t like that. I don’t know whose idea it was. Obviously, the Lakers are fine with it. They do.

“In this particular instance, I think it’s gone too far, and I don’t think it’s good for Bronny. I don’t think it’s good for the South Bay Lakers. And I don’t think it’s good for LeBron at that point.”

LAKERS’ BRONNY JAMES SCORES 1ST CAREER NBA POINT IN CLEVELAND

The James father-son duo became the first to share an NBA court together during the Lakers’ opening day victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves last month.

Since then, Bronny has been used sparingly by new head coach JJ Redick, seeing some minutes in six of the Lakers’ 10 games. Bronny has collected four points.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Oct. 30, 2024. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

In his G League debut Saturday, Bronny recorded six points, four assists and three rebounds in 31 minutes.

Windhorst can’t wrap his head around not getting the full G League experience to help develop Bronny.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on October 28, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

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The Lakers are 6-4 to start the season, which puts them in seventh place in the Western Conference standings.

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