Bronny James got his first taste of the NBA in the Summer League with the Lakers, and they are upset.

 Los Angeles Laker guard Bronny James Jr. (9) dunks against Houston Rockets during a NBA summer league basketball gameAP

Intrigue and speculation over Bronny James continues following the 2024 NBA Summer League tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie showed some flashes of promise during the offseason competition, but skepticism remains over the NBA future of LeBron James‘ eldest son.

Despite rounding into form over his final two games in Summer League, Bronny still has a lot to prove to his coaches, his teammates, and his dad — as well as to the Lakers‘ rabid fans. A new report details alleged frustration and tension centered on Bronny, who may already be rubbing key figures the wrong way in Los Angeles.

Summer League tension?

According to the U.S. Sun, the attention that Bronny engendered upon his Summer League debut left Lakers teammates feeling cold and “frustrated,” especially as he struggled to begin the competition. A Lakers Summer League player told the outlet that Bronny’s reps shielded him from media responsibilities, and his attitude allegedly 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 went on to say that he felt like the Summer League was simply a Bronny showcase, and the Lakers failed to put this player in a position to succeed due to the emphasis on LeBron’s son — calling Summer League play “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 said. “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.”

However, at other times, Bronny appeared to be the consummate teammate and young professional. The 19-year-old guard was routinely seen hyping up teammates, even when he was on the bench or not performing well. By Summer League’s end, James had shown his capabilities in a 93-89 win over one of his dad’s former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers — against whom Bronny scored 13 points, hauled in five rebounds, and chipped in three assists.

Bronny James, born LeBron Raymone James Jr. on October 6, 2004, is the eldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James. He has garnered significant attention from an early age due to his father’s high profile in the basketball world. Bronny’s career has been closely followed by fans and media, with expectations high due to his family background and early performances.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Bronny attended Sierra Canyon School, where he quickly made a name for himself. At Sierra Canyon, he played alongside other top prospects and contributed significantly to the team’s success. His play style, marked by solid defense, court vision, and the ability to score, drew comparisons to his father, though he has worked to carve out his own identity as a player.

During his high school career, Bronny was noted for his ability to perform under pressure. He displayed versatility, excelling as both a guard and a forward. His performances in high school games earned him national recognition and helped him secure a spot in several high-profile basketball events, including the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Lapresse

JB

In addition to his high school achievements, Bronny has participated in various grassroots basketball tournaments. His play in the AAU circuit, particularly with the Nike EYBL, showcased his talent on a larger stage, further cementing his status as a top prospect.

Bronny committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), joining the Trojans for the 2023-2024 season. His decision to attend USC was seen as a strategic move to develop his skills further and prepare for a potential career in the NBA.

Beyond his basketball career, Bronny has leveraged his growing platform for various endorsements and media appearances. His association with prominent brands and involvement in public events reflect his increasing influence both on and off the court.

Overall, Bronny James is viewed as a promising young talent in basketball, with a career that is closely watched due to his potential and the legacy of his father. As he continues to develop his game at USC, many anticipate that he will make significant strides and potentially follow in his father’s footsteps in the professional ranks.