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Since being drafted in the second round by the LA Lakers, Bronny James has been one of the most widely covered players in basketball. Throughout the California Classic and the NBA 2k25 Summer League, media attention on Bronny was intense, even as he struggled to find his rhythm.
Now, as Bronny James continues to face challenges in the preseason, hot takes have continued to fly, with fans around the league ready to write off the second-generation hooper despite JJ Redick explaining that LA views Bronny as a developmental project. The way 11-time NBA All-Star Charles Barkley sees things, Bronny James has a target on his back.
During an appearance on "Throwbacks Show" this week, he explained why Bronny James may have a tougher time finding his rhythm compared to other players in his draft class.
"It's not going to be easy because he has a target on his back because of his last name. I'm really looking forward to, you know they've got to handle this thing with 'kid gloves' literally because they just can't put him out there because he's not a finished product yet."
"But man, it's a great story. I think we saw the Griffeys play in baseball but I can't think of anybody else where father and son played a pro sport together, not this way."
While Bronny may not be NBA-ready yet, the hope in LA Is that he will develop into a reliable 3 & D player.
Lakers seem likely to play Bronny James in regular season debut despite struggles according to Shams Charania
Since Bronny James was drafted this summer, there has been quite a bit of talk among fans as to how things will play out when the father-son duo share the court.
While they've already done so during the preseason, the regular season will be the pair's first chance to make NBA history as the first father-son duo to compete alongside one another.
Last month, while speaking to Zach Lowe on "The Lowe Post" podcast, JJ Redick explained that the duo would share the court together sooner rather than later. Of course, since then, we've seen Bronny James and LeBron James share the court in the preseason, leaving fans wondering about the regular season.
During an appearance on ESPN this week, Shams Charania gave fans an update, making it clear that there's a very good chance we see the LeBron-Bronny duo in LA's home opener.
“We’re gonna be seeing history very, very soon. The expectation around the Lakers is that their debut together, the first father-son duo in NBA history to play at the same time in a game will be as soon as Opening Night, October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home at Crypto.com Arena, from everything I’m told.
"That is the plan, that is the hope."
While Bronny's play during the preseason hasn't warranted added playing time, it sounds like Redick and the Lakers will give the two a chance to make NBA history come Oct. 22.
