An NBA scout has voiced concerns over Bronny James’ readiness for the league, stating that the young guard, selected No. 55 by the Los Angeles Lakers, is “set up for failure.” Despite being the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, some within the NBA question whether Bronny can meet the high expectations surrounding him.
“You’re set up for failure,” an Eastern Conference scout told Baxter Holmes of ESPN. “It’s like, what’s the expectation here?” The scout, who has followed Bronny’s career closely, expressed doubts about whether the 20-year-old is ready for the NBA level. He noted that Bronny’s lineage has garnered immense attention, but his skills on the court have yet to align with those of a professional player.
Bronny’s time at USC raised similar concerns. The freshman guard averaged just 4.8 points per game, placing him eighth on the team in scoring. While his effort and work ethic were praised, his limited contributions on the stat sheet have left many wondering whether he is ready for the professional game. His shooting was inconsistent, managing only 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc during his college season.
Following his stint at USC, Bronny participated in the NBA Summer League, where his shooting struggles continued. He averaged 8.8 points per game but shot just 35% from the field and 15.8% from three-point range. These statistics further fueled skepticism about his ability to succeed at the next level.
Some NBA executives and scouts feel that Bronny’s decision to enter the NBA was premature. “He should have stayed in school,” a Western Conference executive said. The same executive suggested that Bronny would have benefited from spending more time in college to develop his skills.
The scrutiny intensified when Bronny struggled in his first two preseason games with the Lakers, scoring only two points total. For a player bearing the weight of his father’s legacy, such performances have led to ongoing debates about whether he can meet the monumental expectations.
One scout acknowledged Bronny’s strong basketball IQ and physical build but pointed out that he lacks the talent needed to be a priority NBA prospect. “At best, he’s a ‘secondary’ one,” the scout said. “Someone you have on your radar, but not a priority.”
Bronny’s situation is further complicated by his medical history. He has recovered from surgery for a congenital heart defect, which affected his college season and his ability to showcase his full potential.
Despite the criticism, some executives see potential in Bronny’s work ethic and background. “If anybody takes a gamble on Bronny James, they’re getting the most incubated basketball player ever,” another Eastern Conference executive noted. The scout added that while Bronny may not project as a future star, his intangibles—such as his strong character and high basketball IQ—are assets that could serve him well in the NBA.
The debate surrounding Bronny highlights the immense pressure placed on the son of one of the greatest basketball players in history. Some argue that he should be allowed to develop without the constant comparisons to his father. Others believe that he will struggle to carve out his own identity in a league where expectations are sky-high.