Lakers' Bronny James could be a contender for Rookie of the Year, says three-time NBA All-Star

Bronny James has faced constant scrutiny during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. As the son—and teammate—of one of basketball’s all-time greats, LeBron James, the young guard has drawn considerable attention, even though his playing time has been minimal. However, a three-time NBA All-Star believes that the young guard could be a contender for Rookie of the Year.

“If they played him 36 minutes, he would be averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists,” Gilbert Arenas stated on his Gil’s Arena podcast during a discussion about the criticism Bronny has faced in recent months. “He’d be top 5 for Rookie of the Year.”

Arenas arrived at this conclusion by extrapolating Bronny’s current NBA statistics—1.7 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists—by multiplying them according to his 4.2 minutes per game. Following this, one of his podcast co-hosts suggested that the Lakers should give Bronny more playing time. To this, Arenas responded: “Where would he play? Over Luka (Doncic)? Kobe Bryant came off the bench, man, he was the future.”

The former Washington Wizards guard also expressed that the level of scrutiny directed at Bronny is unusual. “When have we ever attacked a rookie player? We still haven’t even attacked last year’s players for flopping, if any of them flopped,” Arenas remarked. “Last year, what’s the top ten? Do we know any of them, besides Wemby (Victor Wembanyama)? We’re talking about 40-50 million dollar people. And we have nothing to say about them.”

Gilbert Arenas playing with the Washington Wizards on December 19, 2009.

Arenas thinks criticism of Bronny James is unfair

In the same conversation, Gilbert Arenas argued that Bronny James has received less patience than other rookies in the NBA, even from former players. “As hoopers, you give them the opportunity,” Arenas said.

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“You know (expletive) well those first couple of games Bronny gets in one minute, three minutes, five, he ain’t playing well,” Arenas acknowledged. “Number one picks don’t even play well with that kind of time. So, you’re targeting.”

Bronny’s situation is unique, says Arenas

Gilbert Arenas then addressed why Bronny James has been under such intense scrutiny since joining the NBA. “Let’s say Bronny don’t get picked,” Arenas proposed. “Are you gonna tell us that LeBron James and the Lakers wouldn’t have signed him as a free agent and whoever they picked with the 55th pick wouldn’t have got cut? Are we gonna pretend that wasn’t gonna be the case?”

Finally, Arenas reflected on Bronny James’ arrival in the NBA, suggesting that his presence with the Lakers was inevitable. “No matter where he went, he was gonna be with the Lakers,” he said with conviction. “You know why? Because he’s the moneybag.”