Bronny James' difficult start to the new NBA season continued as the Lakers lost 122-108 against the Portland Trail Blazers in their latest game, leaving them with two wins and two losses from their opening four games.
They are currently without their star man LeBron James, who has a sciatica injury, which is a nerve condition that causes pain through the back and leg.
With other key players unavailable, such as Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent, there have been opportunities for younger players to step up.
Among them is LeBron's son Bronny, who has featured in two games so far this season.
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He played 20 minutes in the defeat to Portland, registering three assists and three rebounds, but he was unable to score a single point.
While it is still early in his basketball career, his recent performance has sparked debate among Lakers fans, who have questioned whether he is at the required level for the NBA.
However, one player who has long believed in Bronny's potential is the Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry.
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Speaking during the summer, the four-time NBA champion reflected on first seeing James as a young child.
He said: "I remember how athletic Bronny looked... Couldn't have been more than three or four...
"How fast he ran... I'm like, he's going somewhere. And now, to see him in the league is crazy."
James joined the league through the 2024 NBA Draft, when the Lakers selected him as their 55th pick.
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Last season, Bronny and his father, LeBron, made history as the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA together.
Most of Bronny's game time came in the development G League, where he was one of the most consistent performers.
His focus during pre-season was to continue improving the defensive aspect of his game, so he could seize opportunities when they arose.
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However, some fans have criticised him, following the team's poor start.
One X user wrote: "I just watched Bronny get cooked on defence, turn over the ball twice, and then again get lost on a switch.
"The Lakers are shorthanded but it’s absurd that this kid is an NBA player.
"There are substantially better guys that never get a look in the league than him."
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Others though, have defended James and called for greater patience with him.
Bronny James is actually an elite defender; he needs more playing time," one argued.
Topics: NBA, Lebron James, Steph Curry , LA Lakers, Basketball
James Taylor