Bronny James is reportedly already upsetting Lakers teammates: Summer League was Bronny on Tour
Intrigue and speculation continue to surround Bronny James after his performance in the 2024 NBA Summer League tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie showcased flashes of promise during the offseason competition, but doubts linger about the NBA future of LeBron James’ eldest son.
Despite improving in his final two Summer League games, Bronny still has much to prove to his coaches, teammates, and his father, as well as to the Lakers’ passionate fan base. A new report reveals alleged frustration and tension centered on Bronny, suggesting he may already be rubbing key figures the wrong way in Los Angeles.
Summer League Tension?
According to the U.S. Sun, the attention Bronny garnered during his Summer League debut left some Lakers teammates feeling “frustrated,” particularly as he struggled initially. A Lakers Summer League player told the outlet that Bronny’s representatives shielded him from media responsibilities, and his attitude reportedly affected team camaraderie.
“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 said.
The anonymous player added that the Summer League felt like a showcase for Bronny, with the Lakers emphasizing LeBron’s son over the team’s success. The player described the Summer League experience as “Bronny On Tour.”
“If you talk to any other player that was part of the roster of the California Classic and the Summer League, most of them would tell you the same thing,” the player continued. “The tensions were visible, and pretty much we were all thinking about the end of the Summer League to get out of here and focus on our next step in our careers.”
Bronny’s Positive Moments
Despite the reported tension, Bronny also displayed signs of being a consummate teammate and young professional. The 19-year-old guard was often seen hyping up teammates, even when he was on the bench or not performing well. By the end of the Summer League, James had demonstrated his capabilities in a 93-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of his dad’s former teams, where Bronny scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added three assists.
While skepticism remains, Bronny James has shown moments of potential and professionalism. His journey in the NBA is just beginning, and he will have ample opportunity to prove his critics wrong as he continues to develop his game.