An anonymous player from the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League team has voiced frustration over the special treatment received by Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James. The player described the experience as “The Bronny James Tour,” highlighting the preferential treatment that Bronny received during the Summer League.
During a conversation with NBA reporters Steve Brenner and Damian Burchardt of the U.S. Sun, the anonymous player expressed that the special treatment given to Bronny created a lack of chemistry within the team. .
“He was treated as someone apart, not like all of us, and that is very annoying as we didn’t feel any chemistry in this group of players,” the player stated.
This sentiment was echoed by other teammates, who felt sidelined in favor of showcasing Bronny’s skills.
The player also mentioned that the focus on Bronny negatively impacted the team’s performance.
“I ended up being very frustrated because I was never put in the best situation, or even put in some plays or game plans because they wanted Bronny to show his skills and shine,” the player added.
This lack of unity and focus on one player reportedly led to visible tensions and a disappointing start to the tournament.
Bronny James, who was the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a mixed performance during the Summer League. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 35.0% from the field and 15.8% from three-point range. Despite these numbers, the anonymous player felt that Bronny is “not ready for the NBA” and that the special treatment he received was unwarranted.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming NBA season, it remains to be seen how this internal conflict will be resolved. The situation has certainly put a spotlight on the challenges of balancing the development of young talent with the expectations and pressures that come with being the son of an NBA legend.