When LeBron James announced he would sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, many began to wonder about the future of his son, Bronny James.
There were plenty of jokes surrounding Bronny and whether he’d also end up on his father’s team, but there was also general curiosity about where he could wind up.
The Lakers have reportedly liked his development and want to keep him, as they have already guaranteed his contract for next season. But if LeBron wants to continue playing with his son as his career comes to a close, many expected he’d push for them to team up. However, one former Lakers forward is arguing that might not be the best idea.
Ex-Lakers Forward Devean George Believes Bronny James Needs ‘His Space Away From’ LeBron James
Three-time NBA champion and former Lakers forward Devean George was asked about Bronny’s situation and what his future may hold.
“That’s tough,” George said. “It’s tough. It’s tough. I don’t know what their plans were in the first place. Did they draft him because his dad said so or did they draft him because they had a plan for him?”
There have been reports that the Lakers are pleased with James’ development and want to keep him going forward. George, however, isn’t so sure.
“Show me. Don’t tell me. Show me what you believe,” George replied. “If you believe he should be playing, then put him out there.”
George is obviously talking about Bronny’s lack of playing time. He has spent plenty of time in the G League over his first two seasons, and when he has played, it was more because of the extensive injury list the Lakers had last season.
Bronny appeared in 42 games, putting up 2.9 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game while shooting 40.9% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 85.7% from the free throw line. He also played in eight playoff games, averaging 1.5 points per game on 50.0% shooting in just 5.3 minutes per game.
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George believes getting away from his father and being on his own may be the best thing for Bronny.
“I think it’s a good situation for him,” George said. “I think he needs to space away from his dad. My opinion, I think he should. Let him do his own thing. Okay, he got here; what can you do? You don’t got to follow your dad around. He’s about to be done anyway.”
Whether he remains in Los Angeles or joins his father in Philadelphia, George points out that there is one thing that absolutely has to be done with James.
“Now that his dad’s gone, put him out there, see what he can do,” George said. “It seems like you’re babying him. Put him out there. Can he play or no? See what happens. That’s what we all had to do. We got thrown out there. We didn’t get babied and put in the right situation and only play in this game… No, push him out there and see what happens.”
