Charles Barkley Rips Lakers’ Handling Of Bronny James: ‘It’s Just Bad’

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season with a solid 10-6 record, but the story gaining traction isn’t always about the team’s success — it’s about their puzzling handling of rookie guard Bronny James.

Drafted 55th overall, the son of LeBron James has barely sniffed the court for the big club, logging just 12 minutes and 26 seconds all season. That’s understandable; Bronny is a long-term project.

But what’s not so clear is the Lakers’ curious approach to his development in the G-League.

Reports indicate Bronny will only suit up for home games with the South Bay Lakers. That’s right — home games only. And if you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone.

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made headlines by lambasting the plan on The Bettor Angle podcast, calling it “stupid” and a “bad look” for all involved.

“It’s not fair to him, it’s not fair to the team,” Barkley said. “You’re basically putting a guy in an impossible situation. He’s not going to develop like that. It’s just bad.”

And Barkley has a point. How does a player grow when he’s essentially a part-time participant? The G-League is designed for seasoning young talent through reps. Limiting Bronny to half the opportunities doesn’t just hinder his progress; it complicates things for the South Bay Lakers, too.

Imagine being a coach trying to integrate a player who pops in and out of the lineup. It’s chaotic, to say the least.

Bronny’s stats through two G-League games — five points and three assists per contest, though just 21% shooting — suggest he’s still finding his footing. But to properly do that, he needs consistent minutes.

The Lakers’ decision feels like they’re prioritizing optics over development, a rare misstep for a franchise typically known for its calculated moves. For Bronny, and for his future, let’s hope they rethink this one.