Bronny James has faced heightened scrutiny since being drafted into the NBA. When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him in 2024, many questioned whether he could make a big impact in the league.

Critics saw the guard as a favor signing, a way to keep LeBron James happy. Yet, when the elder James departed Los Angeles to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, the organization retained the former USC Trojan in the offseason. His current production has spurred social media to offer pointed opinions in no uncertain terms.

NBA Social Media Questions Lakers Guard Bronny James’ Role

The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying a strong start to the season, owning the NBA’s best record at 11-2. Yet, within this, an issue has seemingly developed. James hasn’t been able to contribute to the team’s overall early success.

James averages 1.3 points per game in 2.8 minutes per night this season. On Wednesday, he score 4 points (all free throws) in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans took to social media to question why James is even on the Lakers’ active roster.

“Respectfully, he belongs in the G League, where he averages 18. The Lakers are first in the West and don’t owe anyone four minutes,” one user stated.

James has made the trip between the NBA and the G League more than once. Getting more minutes at that level would present him with an opportunity to improve his game. Despite the Lakers’ record, fans continually question James’ presence on the team.

“He is not a NBA player! They are forcing this on us. The lights are too bright and the talent is too good at the NBA level,” an X user said.

James’ 1.3 points per game is 1.6 points lower than last year’s average. “He’s not an NBA player. He never was. Just a rough look for the league,” another user interjected.

The elder James is arguably still the face of the league, drawing the most attention. That does not present the best optics, as many consider his son unworthy of an NBA spot. The younger James, after six games, has not made a three-pointer, grabbed a rebound, or dished out a single assist.

Fans continue to voice their frustrations because they believe LeBron’s popularity shields Bronny from the serious criticism he would otherwise receive if he did not have his famous surname.

“Can’t wait to see all the posts next week again, ‘Bronny’s so good in G League. He should be on the main roster.’ Rinse and repeat,” one user suggested.

In his lone game with Coachella Valley, James scored 22 points and handed out 7 assists. The one G League game praise does exist, although with very little substance. As the son of a legend, playing on an NBA team that many question the reasoning for earned the combo guard another nickname.

“Shocker that the Nepo Baby isn’t panning out,” another user wrote.

“They got rid of Dalton Knecht over him… just saying,” one fan claimed.

Last month, the Lakers waived former first-round pick, Dalton Knecht. Knecht averaged 7.1 points in Los Angeles. Currently, he is a bench player for the New York Knicks, averaging 4.3 points in 9.7 minutes.

At present, the Lakers’ early wins seem to obscure the fact that James still occupies a role on the team. While he doesn’t seem to be regarded as a valued asset, accusations of favoritism follow him because of his on-court performance. As the Lakers keep winning, questions remain about the guard’s future role.