LeBron James’s Fault That Caused Bronny To Be Underlooked? The Truth That Confuses Many People

In the ever-watchful world of professional basketball, where every move is scrutinized and every performance is dissected, being the child of an all-time great like LeBron James adds a different kind of pressure — one that most players will never face. That’s exactly the reality for Bronny James, the 19-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, whose rookie season stirred conversation, criticism, and controversy.

But now, as the 2025 NBA season approaches, Bronny James is receiving vocal support from someone who knows the journey well — renowned NBA trainer Chris Brickley. In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, Brickley passionately defended Bronny, calling for a more understanding, measured response from fans and media alike.

“He didn’t choose to be LeBron’s son,” Brickley emphasized. “He’s a great kid, and people really don’t understand what he’s already overcome.”

These remarks have resonated with fans across the NBA landscape — reigniting discussions not just about Bronny James’ potential, but about how we view young athletes living in the shadows of legendary parents.

Bronny James and the Burden of Expectation

From the moment he picked up a basketball, Bronny James has faced comparisons to his father — the four-time NBA champion, league MVP, and Lakers superstar LeBron James. It’s an impossible standard, yet Bronny has shown grace, humility, and focus as he’s worked to carve out a space of his own in the sport.

His path to the NBA hasn’t been without challenges. Most notably, before his freshman year of college, Bronny James suffered a serious health scare related to his heart. This limited his availability and impacted his physical conditioning — both of which affected his early basketball development.

“Before his freshman year, he had the heart stuff… he passed out, something major,” Brickley said. “So yeah, he’s an NBA player. He just needs time.”

Despite these obstacles, Bronny made it to the NBA and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, joining the same team as his father. This historic moment marked the first time in NBA history a father and son would share the court as teammates.

Chris Brickley’s Defense of Bronny James

Known for training some of the biggest stars in basketball — including Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and James Harden — Chris Brickley is respected across the league. His words carry weight, especially when they’re filled with conviction.

On The Breakfast Club, Brickley didn’t mince words. He called out the overly harsh criticism Bronny James has received from fans and analysts.

“It’s messed up, man,” Brickley continued. “He’s literally like a great kid… You can tell this is a sore spot for the family.”

These comments highlight what many within the basketball world have acknowledged privately: Bronny James is not just battling defenders on the court — he’s battling public opinion, legacy comparisons, and unrealistic expectations.

And yet, the message from Brickley is clear: give Bronny time. The trainer even predicted that Bronny James will “peak in a year or two,” pointing to a developmental curve that mirrors many other young players who mature with time, experience, and health.

A Rookie Season of Ups and Downs for Bronny James

Bronny James’ rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers was far from perfect, but it also wasn’t a disaster. His moments of brilliance flashed enough to remind fans why scouts had their eyes on him from high school.

There were, of course, growing pains — something expected of any teenager entering the professional ranks. But for Bronny, those pains were amplified by constant comparisons to his father and the media circus that follows every James family move.

Yet through it all, Bronny James showed resilience. He remained coachable, humble, and focused on improving — traits that didn’t go unnoticed by coaches and veteran teammates.

LeBron James’ Influence on Luka Doncic and the NBA’s Next Generation

Interestingly, Bronny’s story is not unfolding in isolation. His father, LeBron James, continues to shape the league, not just through his play but through his influence on other stars — even those on rival teams.

This summer, Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ franchise player, has drawn praise for his offseason transformation. According to Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean, part of that improvement comes from being around LeBron James.

“Iron sharpens iron,” St. Jean said. “Luka’s always admired LeBron… when you’re around great players, you can’t help but get better.”

This quote offers deeper insight into the kind of leader and mentor LeBron continues to be — and it also gives context to the environment in which Bronny James is developing.

Why Bronny James Deserves Time and Patience

The NBA is a league that loves narratives. It thrives on rise-and-fall stories, underdogs, comebacks, and dynasties. But sometimes, the obsession with instant success creates unrealistic pressure for young athletes — especially those like Bronny James, who are expected to be great simply because of their last name.

Chris Brickley’s defense of Bronny is more than just a friend’s loyalty or a trainer’s perspective. It’s a reminder that every player needs room to grow — physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s especially true for a young man who has already dealt with a health scare, media scrutiny, and the weight of being LeBron James’ son.

Bronny’s Unique Journey Is Still Unfolding

Unlike most rookies, Bronny James doesn’t just play the game — he plays it in the brightest spotlight possible. Every mistake is magnified, every success dissected, and every interview headline-worthy.

And yet, this unique journey also comes with unique opportunities. Few rookies get to share the court with their father. Fewer still have access to the knowledge, training, and mentorship that Bronny enjoys through his family and trainers like Chris Brickley.

That doesn’t mean the road will be easy. But it does mean that Bronny James has every reason to believe he can succeed — and now, even more support from those within the basketball world who believe in his potential.

Conclusion: Give Bronny James the Time He Deserves

It’s easy to expect too much, too soon. In an age where 19-year-olds are judged as though they’ve been in the league for a decade, patience is a rare commodity. But if Chris Brickley’s prediction is correct, fans may soon see a breakout season from Bronny James, one that silences doubters and validates those who have stood by him.

Because as Brickley so powerfully said:

“He didn’t choose to be LeBron’s son.”

But what Bronny James is choosing — every day — is to work hard, stay humble, and define his own legacy, one game at a time.