Jeanie Buss Warns Bronny James Of Lakers Locker Room Rule As Hurtful Allegations Fall To Deaf Ears

Drafted with the 55th overall pick in this year’s draft, Bronny James joined LeBron James as the first active father-son duo in the NBA. And while that game was exciting, the young guard had a lot to prove, and not just to critics. Remember the recent issue that arose about Bronny’s teammates being upset that he was getting all the attention while more deserving players felt deprived of opportunities, all because he had the last name James?

While nothing has been proven, with Gilbert Arenas going so far as to dissect the author and the publication for spreading false information, when even the alleged teammate(s) called out the writer, it still brought to light one of the most concerning aspects of the No. 9’s position in a storied franchise like the The Los Angeles LakersDoes he really deserve to wear the Purple & Gold?

Jeanie Buss thinks the least they can do is give him a chance to prove it. “We have to give this kid the opportunity to play and prove that he deserves to wear a Laker uniform,” Buss said during a special episode of the AM 570 LA Sportsbroadcast live from Vans headquarters in Costa Mesa.

It’s a sensible argument. But reality is never that simple, is it?

Did Jeanie Buss and the Lakers do more harm than good by signing Bronny James?

Before his cardiac arrest, Bronny was considered a top prospect. And his numbers backed him up: he averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game as a senior at Sierra Canyon. But after returning from his injury nightmare, his performance took a back seat. In the 25 games Bronny James played at USC, he averaged modestly: 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Needless to say, this was the biggest talking point heading into the NBA draft season. Plus, the strict conditions his agent, Rich Paul, imposed on any team that wanted to draft James Jr., while scaring off virtually everyone not named the Lakers with the threat that Bronny would play in Australia if they drafted him, made things awkward, to say the least. How bad was it?

“I think they did him a real disservice… I think they overdid it so much that they really put the poor kid on the back foot. It kind of detracts from the fact that they’re just a basketball team,” Seth Partnow said about Jeanie Buss and the Lakers during an appearance on THE Lowe Podcast.

It’s certainly a tough position to be in, no doubt about it. With the disappointing season LA has had and Rob Pelinka’s all too obvious failures over the years, and now this situation, it’s raised a lot of questions. Still, as Buss noted, no one can question Bronny’s heart and drive. “He works hard, he’s dedicated and he really wants to get there. If we can have a team of players with that same mentality, then I think the sky’s the limit.” Jeanie added.

What do you think? Can Bronny James really reach the bar that Buss set? Or will forgetting that he’s still a developmental prospect come back to haunt them? Share your thoughts below.

Before you go, be sure to check out this cross between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.