Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, has become a polarizing figure in his rookie season. While fans eagerly anticipate his rise to basketball greatness, Bronny’s recent performance—both in the NBA and G League—has left much to be desired. Amid critiques of his 29% shooting and passive play, the young guard has hinted he’s keeping his “secret weapons” in reserve, waiting for a bigger stage.

Adding fuel to the conversation, sports commentator Skip Bayless, once an ardent supporter of Bronny, recently admitted he was wrong about the rookie’s potential, questioning whether Bronny will ever be a reliable NBA player.

Bronny’s G League Performance: A Struggle to Shine

Despite the high expectations surrounding his debut, Bronny’s stats paint a sobering picture. Across all professional competitions—NBA games, summer league, and the G League—Bronny is shooting just 29% from the field, connecting on only 19 of his 65 attempts.

Observers note that Bronny’s play lacks aggression, with the rookie often content to stand on the perimeter rather than initiating plays or attacking the basket. Critics have also pointed out that Bronny’s game has yet to showcase the explosive skills many expected.

While Bronny himself has downplayed the criticism, claiming that the G League competition level is below his capabilities, he remains an enigma. In a recent statement, Bronny hinted at holding back his best game until he reaches a more significant stage, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about his long-term plans.

Skip Bayless Changes His Tune

Skip Bayless, known for his outspoken and controversial opinions, has been vocal about Bronny’s potential since the young player first entered the spotlight. Initially, Bayless believed Bronny was the ideal complement to LeBron James’ Lakers roster—a selfless “3-and-D” player who could thrive alongside his legendary father.

However, Bayless recently admitted his optimism was misplaced. Speaking on The Skip Bayless Show, he shared a more sobering assessment:

“I’m just not seeing LeBron James Jr. as an NBA player, now or maybe ever. I kept arguing that playing alongside his father would bring out the best in him… but since then, I’ve seen little to nothing from Bronny.”

Bayless also speculated that Bronny’s struggles might stem from lingering confidence issues following his heart condition earlier this year. However, he didn’t hold back in addressing the rookie’s glaring weaknesses:

“Here’s his biggest problem: Bronny James just can’t shoot… If we add up all his professional stats, he’s shooting 29%. At some point, even LeBron is going to have to come to grips with exactly what his son’s basketball ceiling is.”

What’s Next for Bronny?

The Lakers, sitting at a respectable 9-4 record, are thriving thanks to contributions from players like Austin Reaves and rookie Dalton Knecht, which has taken the pressure off Bronny to deliver immediately. Still, the young guard’s lackluster start has raised questions about his future in the league.

Some fans remain hopeful, believing Bronny is simply taking time to adapt to the professional level and recover fully from his health scare. Others, however, worry that his hesitance and struggles on the court might indicate a ceiling lower than initially anticipated.

A Family Legacy in the Balance

For LeBron James, the stakes are personal. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron’s desire to play alongside his son has been a widely publicized dream. However, as Bayless and other analysts have pointed out, the harsh realities of Bronny’s performance may force a re-evaluation of that goal.

Will Bronny Unleash His Secret Weapons?

Bronny’s comments about holding back his “secret weapons” suggest he might have more to offer than what fans have seen so far. Whether this is a strategic move or a way to deflect criticism remains to be seen.

For now, Bronny James’ journey in professional basketball is a mix of promise and uncertainty. The coming months will determine whether he can rise above the noise and prove his doubters wrong—or if Skip Bayless’ harsh assessment will ultimately ring true.

As the spotlight remains firmly on him, one thing is clear: Bronny’s next moves will be watched closely by fans, critics, and his legendary father alike.