Bronny James has been making waves in both the NBA and the G League, but not everyone is convinced he belongs at the highest level. Former NFL linebacker Channing Crowder, known for his strong opinions, has once again taken a shot at the young prospect, insisting that Bronny isn’t cut out for the NBA.
Crowder Refuses to Budge on Bronny James Criticism
During an episode of The Pivot Podcast, Crowder was asked if Bronny’s recent performances had changed his mind. His response? A firm no.
“I’m not going to stay in my lane ’cause they were losing by 30, he got in the game, he made 17 points,” Crowder said. “He just shot some threes and gets cooked defensively. I want my [Lakers] hat to reinforce my opinion [that] Bronny should not be [in the NBA].”
Crowder was referring to Bronny’s 17-point performance in the Lakers’ 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20. Many saw it as a breakout moment, but for Crowder, it wasn’t enough to warrant a change in perspective.
Dismissing a Career Night in the G League
Co-host Ryan Clark attempted to challenge Crowder’s stance by bringing up Bronny’s impressive 39-point explosion for the South Bay Lakers in the G League on March 24 against the Santa Cruz Warriors. However, Crowder remained unimpressed.
“You know what? Little Chan could get 31 in the G League,” Crowder scoffed. “Listen, I love LeBron. I do not hate on the James family. I’m telling you facts. Bronny James should not be in the NBA.
“I watched him go out there and get cooked the other night,” he continued. “Since Luka [Doncic] got there, I watch the Lakers a lot now, and he gets beaked up defensively… I can make a list of people that can’t play, Bronny’s on the bottom.”
Is Crowder Being Too Harsh?
While Crowder’s comments are blunt, they may not be entirely fair. Bronny is still a raw talent adjusting to the professional level. While he has had some defensive struggles, labeling him a complete liability seems like an exaggeration.
Looking at his NBA stats, Bronny has averaged 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game in limited minutes during the 2024-25 season. While these numbers aren’t eye-catching, they’re also not far off from what you’d expect from a player drafted 55th overall.
If, in a few years, Bronny is still struggling to carve out a meaningful role, then criticisms about his NBA readiness may hold more weight. However, given his recent flashes of potential, it’s too soon to dismiss him entirely. The Lakers clearly believe in his upside, and with proper development, he could turn into a solid role player.
Charles Barkley Weighs In
Channing Crowder isn’t the only sports personality with an opinion on Bronny’s development. NBA legend Charles Barkley has also chimed in, stating that Bronny should have spent the entire season in the G League.
“That kid, I wish him nothing but the best; he should be in the G League getting better as a player,” Barkley said. “He should have been in the G League all year. You don’t get better sitting on the bench.”
There’s some truth to Barkley’s point. Continuous minutes in the G League could have allowed Bronny to develop at a faster pace rather than sitting on the Lakers’ bench. However, the Lakers have chosen to use a hybrid approach, letting him get experience in both leagues. Whether that’s the best strategy remains to be seen.
The Verdict: Too Early to Judge Bronny’s Future
While opinions on Bronny James are polarizing, one thing is clear—he’s still a work in progress. Dismissing his potential outright seems premature, especially when he’s showing signs of growth.
For now, Bronny’s journey is just beginning. Whether he ultimately proves Crowder wrong or validates his criticism will depend on how he develops over the next few seasons. One thing is for sure—his every move will continue to be scrutinized.
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