Kenyon Martin Defends LeBron James For Helping Bronny Reach The NBA Despite Not Being Ready
· Yahoo Sports
Kenyon Martin believes Bronny James entered the NBA a year too soon. He still understands why LeBron James would use his influence to help his son get there. In Martin’s view, any parent in LeBron’s position would do the same, even if Bronny would have benefited from another season at USC.
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Speaking on the TFU podcast, Martin addressed the criticism that has followed Bronny since the Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Martin said that he did not question the influence of James’ name, but he also questioned why parents would pass on the chance to influence their own child’s future.
“With Bronny and LeBron, yes, nepotism is real. We all know it and we all would do it. If we had the opportunity to do it, 1000%. If any one of us are able to put our child in a position to succeed and have direct influence on it, we would. No doubt about it.”
“Do I think Bronny at the time was ready for the NBA? No. Because of his lack of college experience that he had. It was interrupted because of the heart thing. Would loved to have seen him at USC another year to just get playing time. Get used to being back on the floor without all the pressures of what came with making that decision to being in the NBA, and your last name being James.”
“And without all the pressures and scrutiny of everything that came with being the 55th pick in the NBA draft, which no other 55th pick has those kind of expectations. We get it. His last name is James, but it’s unfair to the kid. He’s still a kid. But it’s their family. It’s their decision and wish them nothing but the best.”
Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest at a USC practice before the season even began. He returned to play 25 games, starting six, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Martin did say that he would have wanted Bronny to spend another year at USC and get regular minutes to find his rhythm before dealing with the attention that came with joining his father in Los Angeles.
The attention obviously cuts both ways. Being LeBron’s son gave Bronny a chance that most prospects won’t even have, but it has also meant that every shot can come under the microscope, whether in the NBA or not. Most No. 55 picks get to develop before being expected to contribute off the bench. Bronny never had that luxury.
Now in his third season, the 22-year-old is yet to secure a regular rotation role in JJ Redick’s lineup. Through his first five NBA appearances this season, he’s averaged just 0.8 points.
But in his return to the G League this season, he did look far more like himself and was comfortable. He put up 22 points, five rebounds, and seven assists as the South Bay Lakers won 104-98 over the Salt Lake City Stars.
One strong G League game won’t mean that Bronny will earn a day-to-day spot, but it just shows why playing time still matters. Two minutes off the bench tell very little about how Bronny handles plays as a ball handler or whether he can create shots for his teammates on his own. Regular assignments will give him a chance to show that and help him build confidence as well.
LeBron’s influence might explain how he got his first NBA opportunity, but what he needs to do to get sustained minutes, and what he does with those minutes, will help determine if he is set for the next chapter of his NBA career.