Bronny James (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The moment when Bronny James was drafted in the second round, the Los Angeles Lakers rookie became the centerpiece of various NBA debates. On Sunday, the 20-year-old and his father, LeBron James, made history by playing together in the preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. However, the Lakers rookie continued his weak performance, prompting doubts and forming an undesired narrative.
Following a conversation with executives, and scouts, ESPN reported that Bronny James faces tremendous pressure and challenges at the Lakers. “The expectations for Bronny by the fan base and by LeBron and Rich Paul are not commensurate with the reality of his game. If they had any real idea of how far away Bronny is, they just would not have done this.” ESPN quoted an Eastern Conference executive saying.
An Eastern Conference scout who has long tracked Bronny’s journey claimed, “You’re set up for failure. It’s like, what’s the expectation here.” A veteran NBA scout who has watched Bronny from his freshman season was “shocked” to see the youngster at the NBA combine.
Bronny James and LeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Many scouts expressed their opinions, collectively stating that the young guard would face too much pressure at the Lakers. An executive claimed playing at the Lakers is the “worst possible situation for him to develop.” Bronny faces a burden of expectations from the huge fan base of the Lakers and LeBron.
Bronny James’ Stats Ahead Of The 2024-25 NBA Season
After joining the Lakers, James Jr. played six games in the summer league and averaged 7.0 points on 32.7% shooting. He also registered 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. In the first two preseason games, Bronny scored two points, grabbed three rebounds, and made one assist. Considering his lackluster performances, many believe the Lakers rookie would spend most of the season in the NBA G-League.
Ahead of his draft, Bronny revealed he looks up to Celtics stars Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and King’s Davion Mitchell. In his preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bronny registered three blocks, drawing parallels to the defense-focused guards. In their third preseason game, the Lakers will face the Milwaukee Bucks at 8 p.m. ET.
Everyone Is Praying For Baker Mayfield And His Wife After The Couple Was Forced From Their Home In Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily have had to evacuate their home this week because of Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane hit northern Florida pretty hard, causing major flooding and power loss.
Mayfield, his wife Emily, their daughter, and their dog left their residence before the storm hit as a means of caution. Emily furnished her followers with an update on Friday.
“Baker, Koko, Fergus and I evacuated yesterday and are safe,” she said via Instagram. “Our sweet, sweet community got pummeled, but even that doesn’t compare to the people up North who took this storm head on. It’s unfathomable.”
Emily is grateful that Helene did not affect the Mayfield home but revealed she was “praying nonstop” for the people dealing with the impact while also offering tangible assistance.
“I am looking for ways to get out and tangibly help,” she added. “Please send me anything you find, and I will share the good ones.”
