For all the excitement and anticipation that ensued after the Lakers selected Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, the decision did not go without any criticisms.
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The most storied franchise in league history, Los Angeles has seen its fair share of turbulence in recent years. Just last season they struggled through injuries, scoring woes, and staffing disputes before narrowly clinching the final spot in the Western Conference for postseason play.
Nevertheless, Los Angeles' offseason has infused a sense of eagerness in the NBA. They hired first-time head coach JJ Redick and re-signed LeBron James after selecting his son, Bronny, 55th overall in June. The organization's pick put them in the league history books once again with the first father-son teammate duo. Many celebrated the momentous occasion while some were quick to call it into question, including former NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins Believes The Lakers Are Not "Serious" This Season
In a recent appearance on FanDuel's "Run It Back," the four-time All-Star revealed that the Lakers choice to draft Bronny gave the impression that they were not 'serious' about winning this year.
"I love everything that it stands for, what Bron is doing with his legacy," Cousins began. "As far as the Lakers actually competing, I don't know. I take that as a sign that they aren't really serious."
"The way their season ended last year with the high expectations, I expected more from them as far as making moves."
Cousins was once under contract with a James-era Los Angeles squad—the 2020 championship team, for which he never played after an offseason ACL tear.
Bronny Explains His Slow Start
As for James, the rookie has not made a strong case for disproving the doubters so far. He has appeared in three preseason games this year and only averaged 0.7 points, one rebound, one block and 0.3 assists in 11.9 minutes per contest.
Bronny, 20, offered an assessment of his performance so far while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
"For me, just getting comfortable," he said. "Going out there and getting reps. I feel like that's the most important thing. Just for me to grow my confidence and be more comfortable when I'm out there playing. I feel good. The numbers could be better. I just got to get my confidence up."
