{"id":129747,"date":"2025-03-20T15:26:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T19:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=129747"},"modified":"2025-03-20T15:26:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T19:26:34","slug":"im-a-f-robot-bronny-james-opens-up-about-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/20\/im-a-f-robot-bronny-james-opens-up-about-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"“I\u2019m a f\u2014\u2014 Robot”: Bronny James Opens Up About Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bronny James<\/a> is learning to navigate life in the NBA spotlight. The 20-year-old shooting guard is balancing immense expectations and his own development as a player. After being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny has spent his rookie season splitting time between the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Bronny James was recently interviewed by Joe Vardon of The Athletic,\u00a0<\/em>where he opened up about the criticism he has faced throughout his rookie season.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m a f\u2014\u2014 Robot”: Bronny James Opens Up About Criticism And ‘Stepping Up’<\/h2>\n

So far, Bronny has played in 21 games for the Lakers. He averages 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 4.7 minutes per game. Those numbers are modest, but Bronny knows he is progressing. \u201cI definitely think I\u2019ve improved \u2014 not only as a player but in mindset,\u201d he said<\/a>. \u201cI feel really good about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lakers head coach JJ Redick agrees. Redick praised Bronny\u2019s growth, especially in practices where his confidence and aggression have steadily increased. \u201cHis biggest area of improvement is his playmaking,\u201d Redick said<\/a>. \u201cHe\u2019s learning to make decisions as a scorer or passer.\u201d<\/p>\n

General manager Rob Pelinka<\/a> echoed that sentiment. He said<\/a>, \u201cIt\u2019s great that JJ trusted him in a tough game in Denver. Bronny made plays and hit a big three.\u201d<\/p>\n

Growth in the G League<\/h3>\n

Bronny\u2019s real transformation is happening in the G League. With South Bay, he averages<\/a> 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 30 minutes per game. He is shooting 31 percent from three. Those numbers surpass anything he posted in high school or college.<\/p>\n

In high school, Bronny averaged<\/a> 12.8 points. At USC, limited by his health scare, he posted<\/a> just 4.8 points per game. Now, in the pros, Bronny has already delivered a 30-point game and multiple high-scoring performances.<\/p>\n

His trip to Cleveland with South Bay became a turning point. Bronny scored 38 points across two games, showing signs of consistency. \u201cThat Cleveland stretch sparked something,\u201d Bronny said<\/a>. \u201cIt boosted my confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Facing Critics and Fueling Motivation<\/h3>\n

The harshest criticism came when ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith<\/a> questioned Bronny\u2019s NBA presence. \u201cWe all know Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,\u201d Smith said<\/a>. The comments hit Bronny and his family hard.<\/p>\n