Reggie Miller is urging basketball fans to temper their reactions to Bronny James’ early performances with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“People, it’s Summer League,” Miller, 58, told USA Today after critics questioned whether the 19-year-old Bronny, set to team up with his father LeBron James when the regular season begins, is ready to compete at an NBA level.
Miller elaborated, “No one cares. Those numbers won’t translate to the fall. It’s all about experience in the summer.” He encouraged basketball fans to “pause on the Bronny hate” and allow the Lakers rookie time to adjust to the professional league.
Miller advised viewers to “appreciate what we are witnessing” as the father and son duo make NBA history. “Like we appreciated the Griffeys. I think it is one of the coolest things ever,” the former Indiana Pacers star said, referring to Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr., who made history as the MLB’s first father-and-son teammates in 1990.
Bronny and the Lakers’ Summer League team had a rough start, losing four games in a row at the NBA’s annual tournament in Las Vegas. They have since picked up two wins, but critics remain skeptical, suggesting Bronny’s selection might be influenced by his father’s legacy.
On July 17, the Lakers secured their first win against the Atlanta Hawks, where Bronny’s standout performance silenced some critics. In their following victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 18, Bronny impressed on both ends of the court, scoring 13 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out three assists, along with two blocks.
Bronny’s readiness for the NBA has been a topic of discussion among fans and fellow NBA players. During the Lakers’ July 15 loss to the Boston Celtics, recent champion Jaylen Brown was caught on camera seemingly telling Kysre Gondrezick and Angel Reese, “I don’t think Bronny is a pro.”
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Brown later clarified his stance in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “It’s a flex to have your son alongside you in the NBA. It reflects greatness and longevity! Bronny has all the tools around him to be successful. I look forward to watching his growth.”
In response to Brown’s comments, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren praised Bronny’s performance in the July 18 victory over Cleveland, saying he “looked like a total pro.”
After being drafted on June 27, Bronny addressed the pressures of entering the NBA with high expectations. “I’m … trying to get my name out for myself,” Bronny said, per the Associated Press. “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad,” he added, according to AP. “That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”
LeBron, during a July 8 appearance on Today, expressed his joy about playing alongside his son. “When it comes to basketball, it’s the greatest accomplishment that I’ve ever had,” he said, calling it “the greatest thing that’s ever happened.”
Bronny and the Lakers will continue their Summer League schedule on Saturday, July 20, against the Chicago Bulls. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Bronny continues to develop and prove his place in the league.
