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Bronny James gives verdict on Summer League, Victor Wembanyama agrees with him

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 5:36 PM ET

Bronny James finished up his second Summer League stint and didn’t hold back when giving his thoughts about the event, and he isn’t the only player who has been critical.

For the second year in a row, Bronny James was one of the most famous players to take the court at NBA Summer League.

After being picked 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, he had a forgettable summer debut last year, although his father’s fame drew eyes on Bronny, who is far from a superstar, although he could blossom into a quality, defensive-minded player.

This summer, he found more success in the Summer League, although he remained critical of the event.

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Bronny James doesn’t like Summer League despite his success

While Bronny found success on the court and enjoyed his fame off of it, Las Vegas simply isn’t appealing to him.

Bronny is 20 years old, which means he can’t frequent the clubs, casinos, and bars that make Vegas famous. Any downtime he had during Summer League was limited, and when he wasn’t playing or practicing, he was stuck in the desert.

“There’s so much going on in Vegas,” he told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I personally don’t like Summer League at all. I like the competition and the games, but I don’t like coming to Vegas and being in Vegas.”

Bronny said that he was “doing nothing” during his stay in Vegas, and it may not have been for lack of trying; in Las Vegas, local restrictions limit not only what folks under 21 can do, but even where they can be.

Aside from basketball, for Bronny, the city is hot, dry, and boring. He is not the first big name to complain about having Summer League in an inaccessible town for most young players.

Victor Wembanyama was the first to complain about Vegas

While “Bronny Fever” swept Summer League in 2024 and 2025, all eyes were on rookie Victor Wembanyama in 2023. Perhaps the most hyped draft pick ever, Wemby played two Summer League games for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.

Wembanyama is one to tell it how it is, and in one of his first media appearances after being drafted, he didn’t hold back.

“I mean, to me, it’s probably on Earth the closest thing to a dystopia,” he said. “I’m not the biggest fan of Vegas.”

Summer League has been hosted in Northern California, Salt Lake City, Orlando, and Las Vegas since 2002. It used to be a small event for scouts and executives to attend, but has since become a weeks-long spectacle, drawing fans from all over the country to take in a game and enjoy what Vegas can offer.

For the players, Vegas doesn’t offer much, and it seems that there is a growing contingent that would prefer a different city to host.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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