NBA Summer League is a showcase for the young top draft picks to show off their talent, and this year all eyes were focused on a second rounder by the name of Bronny James. Being the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and signing a four-year/$7.9 million deal with the LA Lakers before even suiting up, many believed that LeBron James' son was overhyped. That is to say, even Bronny's teammates revealed much of this same sentiment, calling the exhibition tournament, "Bronny On Tour."
"The attention he attracted was 'very frustrating' for the players to see, and his alleged star treatment caused friction among the team, which went 0-5 to start the tournament, per a Lakers insider," wrote Steve Brenner and Damian Burchardt of the US Sun.
An anonymous teammate spoke to reporters, claiming the hype surrounding James Jr. led to tensions.
"A player who was part of the Lakers' Summer League team confirmed that with 'almost everything centered around Bronny,' it was tough to enjoy hoopin'... 'I mean, 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 player talked about how Bronny received preferential treatment by not only the media but also the coaches.
"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 anonymous player said.
Apparently, it wasn't just one player who thought this way, but actually the whole team.
"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 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.'"
“These are seat fillers talking. Bronny was drafted, of course they’re going to develop him.”@PaulPierce34 takes issue with Lakers source calling out Bronny in Summer League pic.twitter.com/OGGq8xWRrV
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 26, 2024
Taking the floor four times at the Las Vegas Summer League, Bronny struggled during the first two games, scoring 10 points (4-for-19 FG), however, in the second two matchups he turned it around, posting 25 points (10-for-21 FG; 3-for-8 3PT).
Related: Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Silences Doubters During Rookie Press Conference: 'Bronny Earned This'
