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Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) sit on the bench during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

'A Great Kid' – NBA Trainer Defends Los Angeles Lakers Guard Bronny James Amid Criticism

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:28 AM ET

Bronny James has drawn criticism ever since the Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The criticism around the young guard was because of his lackluster performance in his rookie season. He was expected to make major contributions to the Lakers. However, the reality of the son of LeBron James is that he still needs time to develop his on-court skills to be good enough to play in the league.

Many of the critics believe that the young James was drafted into the NBA because of his father’s reputation. The 6-foot-9 forward is the league’s all-time leading scorer and is often mentioned in the GOAT debate. However, his son is not as good as him, which attracted criticism.

This resulted in a wave of negative comments about him in his first year in the NBA. While some defend him, that hasn’t stopped the outside noise.

Famed NBA trainer Chris Brickley took the chance to defend James in his recent appearance on the “Breakfast Club.”

“It’s messed up,” Brickley said about the criticism on James.

“That’s f**ked up. Because at the end of the day, he didn’t choose to be LeBron’s [James] son. Like, he’s literally a great kid. You can tell it’s a sore spot for the family. I wouldn’t want anyone to mess with my kid.

The trainer, then, was asked if he thinks James should be in the league.

“Yes, for sure.”

Brickley explained that the Los Angeles Lakers guard had an unfortunate experience in his freshman year at USC, which caused him to suffer cardiac arrest. Even with that, though, the 20-year-old guard still managed to work hard and achieve his dream of being an NBA player.

Former Los Angeles Lakers player believes Bronny James will be a solid NBA role player

TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 1: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. James made his G-League debut on November 10, 2024. Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images

People expect the Los Angeles Lakers guard to emerge as a star in the NBA, just like his father. However, some view that as an impossible assessment of James. Former Lakers forward Matt Barnes is one of those who believe that the young guard won’t turn out as an All-Star.

However, he thinks that James will be a solid role player. Barnes talked about James in his recent appearance at Big Boy’s “The Hangout.”

“Lebron’s son is a huge gift and a curse” the NBA champion said. “I think Bronny is going to be a very solid player in this league. Will he be a superstar like his dad? Probably not.”

Barnes said that the younger James is smart and knows how to play basketball the right way. This could be his ticket to having a significant role throughout his career.

Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) and guard Bronny James (right) during warm up before a game agaonst the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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