Kwame Brown criticizes Bronny James’ Lakers role

Former Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown criticized Bronny James on November 4, questioning why the guard remains with the team. Brown appeared to be referring to the Lakers’ choice to retain James instead of Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick in 2024.

James has played in four games this season, averaging 2.8 minutes and scoring one point. Across his NBA career, he has averaged 2.6 points in 7.8 minutes per game. Brown said he believed James’ place on the roster was due to his father, LeBron James, and called the situation a shame. This is Bronny James’ first NBA season without his father.

The Lakers excused James and Knecht from practice on October 19. James has spent most of the season on the bench. On November 2, the Lakers nearly surrendered a 14-point lead against the Toronto Raptors with 1:43 remaining while James was among the reserves.

After that game, coach JJ Redick said he would keep players on the floor through the final buzzer in future situations, adding that he would not use players who were not ready. Brown’s criticism focused on James’ limited playing time and the opportunity he believes another aspiring player lost.