Concerns Grow Over Bronny James’ Mental Health Amid Lakers Struggles

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with their second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Not only did L.A. commit a draft pick to LeBron James son, though – they also gave him a guaranteed contract. That is generally unheard of for players taken in the 50s.

Many hoped that Bronny would ultimately be able to live up to the hype, but so far, he is having a rough go of things in Summer League.

Coming into Monday night’s game against the Boston Celtics, Bronny put up 15 combined points on 26 total shots. He hadn’t made a single three-pointer either – going 0-of-12 from behind the arc.

How did he ultimately fare against the reigning champions’ Summer League squad on Monday? Not well. He finished with two points on 1-of-5 shooting. He ended up having more fouls than points for the night.

LeBron has gone into full damage-control mode over Bronny’s awful play. J.J. Redick, the Lakers’ head coach, also had a blunt assessment of the youngster’s game.

This week ex-Lakers player Kermit Washington expressed concerns over Bronny’s mental state.

“They’re really trying to help LeBron’s son be successful,” he said.

“But, in my opinion, and it bothers me, he’s not ready for pro ball. Because he’s 6’1, he’s a point guard, and he has to have really good handles, and he really doesn’t have really good handles yet. Next, you have to be a good outside shooter, and he’s not a good outside shooter.”

It’s hard to argue with that idea. Right now, it truly feels like Bronny isn’t ready for the NBA level. A lot of Lakers legends agree with Washington’s take.

And Bronny isn’t being done any favors by being paraded out the way he has been.

Will LeBron and the rest of his team huddle up, figure out a better path forward for Bronny, and implement it accordingly? Time will tell.