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Charles Barkley rips LeBron James, Lakers for 'awful' handling of Bronny James

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•11/25/24•

SamraSource

Bronny James
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley ripped LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for the way they’ve handled Bronny James‘ rookie camping thus far.

During an appearance on The Bettor Angle this past week, Barkley was pressed on the Lakers’ plan for Bronny James, which includes the rookie playing home games for the South Bay Lakers of the G-League, and joining the NBA squad with his father for road contests. Evidently, Barkley isn’t a fan.

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The legend called the entire ordeal “awful” from the Lakers, believing it’s hampering Bronny James’ abilities and growth, and that LeBron James deserves some of the blame for the situation, as well.

“The kid’s not ready to play in the NBA,” Barkley said, via TMZ. “And, he should be in the G League [full time] so he can play basketball. He’s not going to get better sitting on the bench. … I don’t think they’re doing Bronny any favors. And, they just handled this thing really bad. It’s a bad look for the Lakers.

“… Like, you come off a road trip, and there’s a player you ain’t seen in a week or two, and then you feel like you probably got to play him. I really like everything Lebron’s done, but this is a bad look for him, in my opinion.”

The rookie has only played in six games for the Lakers throughout the season, while suiting up for two G League contests, as well. While he’s been on the floor, he hasn’t been overly impressive. Still, LeBron James and the Lakers feel it’s in his best interest to join the NBA squad at times.

Since he was drafted, many players, analysts and fans alike have seen through what Los Angeles has done with Bronny James. At times, it feels like the rookie is only in the NBA to play with his father, but when you’re LeBron James, you’ve earned the right to exert some power at times.

Still, that doesn’t mean others have to be enthusiastic about it, and Charles Barkley is far from that as it pertains to the situation. Perhaps Bronny James can develop into a fine NBA player, but he’s certainly not at that level at the moment.