Steve Hartman of Fox Sports Weekends didn’t hold back after Bronny James’ disappointing NBA Summer League debut. Hartman argued that the Lakers should stop pretending Bronny “earned” his NBA spot, highlighting his poor stats from USC where he averaged just 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting.
Steve Hartman Criticizes Bronny James’ NBA Summer League Debut
In the game against the Kings, Bronny scored only 4 points in 21 minutes, shooting 2 of 9, and ended with a -15 plus/minus. He was also crossed-up embarrassingly by Kings guard Adonis Arms. Hartman emphasized that Bronny isn’t ready for the NBA, stating, “He’s not talented enough to have an NBA contract.”
Hartman criticized the Lakers for claiming Bronny “earned” his spot, saying, “The ONLY reason Bronny James is a Laker is because his father wants him to be a Laker. Just say it.” He noted there are thousands of college players with similar stats who never get NBA opportunities.
He added, “This charade is a sideshow. The idea that Bronny James ‘earned’ this, or he ‘belongs’? He doesn’t.” Hartman recalled a friend who announced Bronny’s high school games, who said Bronny was the fourth-best player on his team. While Hartman doesn’t blame Bronny for chasing his dream, he made it clear that Bronny’s opportunity is solely due to his father’s influence.
