Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins has expressed doubts about the Los Angeles Lakers’ seriousness in competing for championships after drafting Bronny James at No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers not only selected Bronny but also signed him to a guaranteed four-year contract, a move Cousins believes signals a shift away from the franchise’s competitive priorities.
“I don’t think the Lakers are serious anymore,” Cousins said during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “I love everything that it stands for. I think what Bron is doing with his legacy, just as a businessman and everything that comes with that — I think it’s a beautiful thing. I think it’s really, really dope.
“As far as the Lakers actually competing, I don’t know, I take that as a sign they aren’t really serious. With the way their season ended last year with the high expectations, I expected more from them as far as making moves.”
Cousins’ comments reflect growing concerns about the decision to bring Bronny James to the Lakers. While the younger James comes with immense expectations due to his father’s legendary status, his on-court performances have not yet lived up to the hype.
Bronny’s college career at USC raised similar questions. He averaged just 4.8 points per game during his freshman year, ranking eighth on the team in scoring. Despite his effort and work ethic being praised, his inconsistent shooting — 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc — left doubts about his readiness for the professional stage.
Following his time at USC, Bronny participated in the NBA Summer League, but his shooting struggles persisted. He averaged 8.8 points per game, shooting only 35% from the field and 15.8% from three-point range. These statistics further fueled skepticism about his ability to perform at the NBA level.
Bronny’s early preseason performances with the Lakers have not alleviated concerns. In his first three games, he managed just two points total, struggling to find his rhythm in a professional setting. With such limited contributions, debates about whether the Lakers are truly focused on competing for titles have intensified.
Cousins’ remarks also come at a time when the Lakers are facing pressure to capitalize on LeBron James’ remaining years in the league. After a disappointing end to last season, many expected the team to make bolder moves to remain in championship contention. The decision to invest in a young, unproven player like Bronny has only added to the scrutiny.
