When Bronny James entered the NBA last year, the basketball world buzzed with anticipation. The son of LeBron James was expected to showcase the kind of talent and poise that mirrored his father’s legendary career. However, his rookie season didn’t quite meet the expectations, as he wrapped up the year averaging just 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per game.
That modest production sparked debate across the league, with many questioning whether his spot in the NBA was earned or inherited. One of the loudest voices echoing that criticism has been a former No. 1 overall pick. And following the Lakers’ 103-81 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, the former overall first pick has once again reignited the controversy.
Former NBA Player Has Criticized Bronny James
During a recent livestream, former NBA player Kwame Brown didn’t hold back when discussing James’ performance. The outspoken former NBA big man claimed that several high school players around the country are already better than the young guard.
“We got high school players better than Bronny. Absolutely got high school players better than Bronny. Bronny was never the best high school player on his team.”
“He was never the best college player on his team, and he still gets 12 shots in a preseason game where everybody’s auditioning. Where nobody normally passes the ball. Everybody trying to get their shit off because it’s new people out there. It ain’t just you,” said Brown during the livestream.
Kwame Brown says there are high school players better than Bronny James
“Bronny was never the best high school player on his team. He was the never the best college player on his team.”
(h/t @Fullcourtpass )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 5, 2025
For context, Brown’s perspective has an interesting history. The Washington Wizards drafted him straight out of high school in 2001 as the No. 1 overall pick, and he was once the face of promise himself.
Over a 12-year career that spanned seven teams, which included stints with the Wizards, Lakers, and Grizzlies, he played in 607 regular-season games, averaging 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and just 0.9 assists per contest.
Though he never became the superstar many expected, Brown carved out a long career as a dependable rotational center. His NBA journey, filled with high expectations and public scrutiny, makes his comments about James especially intriguing and, to some, ironic.
Brown’s latest remarks came right after the Lakers’ preseason opener against the Suns in 2025-26. James played 24 minutes in that contest and scored eight points, five rebounds, and two assists.
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However, his shooting drew the most criticism. He went just 1-for-12 from the field and 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. While his energy was noticeable, his lack of efficiency became easy ammunition for skeptics like Brown.
Still, it’s far too early to judge James’ trajectory. Over the G-League, he showed glimpses of steady improvement. In one of his standout performances during the Lakers’ G-League matchup against the Suns, James scored 28 points, adding two assists and six rebounds.
Moreover, he hit 12 of his 23 shots and displayed increased confidence driving to the rim and creating plays for others. Now, as the Lakers prepare to face the Golden State Warriors on October 5, 2025, James has another chance to silence critics and prove his growth.
LeBron has done nothing but tarnish his reputation and hurt his son, from being his own person, with his forced blatant nepotism, within the Lakers Organization. Another reason why Jordan is the GOAT. Jordan never dreamed of pulling such a maneuver.