Broadcaster Dan Patrick has criticized Bronny James for failing to attend Luka Doncic’s contract presentation.
Luka Doncic extended his contract with the LA Lakers, committing his future to the franchise with a three-year, $165 million deal.
The decision marked a weekend of celebration for the Lakers, with players from the team joining Doncic for a press conference and even a trip to a Backstreet Boys concert.
LeBron James facetimed in to speak with Doncic and congratulate him, Noticeable by his absence, he was criticized on Fox Radio for failing to join his teammates.
And in a separate rant, LeBron’s son Bronny James has not been spared criticism, with it argued his attendance was even more important than his father.
Speaking on his show, Dan Patrick believes LeBron James’ absence was defensible, due to his status in the NBA. But he did not give the same leeway to Bronny James.
Patrick said: “I’m guessing that he knew this was going to happen, but OK, you’re on vacation. The one person who I thought should have been there was his son.
“Bronny James, if he wants to stay longer after LeBron leaves, like, that’s your teammate. That’s what was surprising.
“Bronny James should have been there. You’re the last guy on the roster. You should be there show support.
“It just felt like, ‘hey, my dad’s LeBron. We got a vacation.’
“I mean, that’s where you say, ‘Dad, that’s my team. That’s my teammate.’”
Another season likely awaits flitting between the G League and filling a place on the LA Lakers bench for Bronny James.
He showed promise during Summer League, but he is nowhere near ready to be a starter for a team competing for a playoff berth.
Former NBA star Dwyane Wade praised his performances, but says his development should not be rushed at all.
Wade said: “His play going to show you when when that step is going to come, but it may not be this year. He still has to develop, but he’s developing so fast in front of our eyes, bro, it’s not a slow development.”
Dan Patrick’s comments show the scrutiny on the kid. No other second-round draft pick creates headlines for where he is or isn’t during his holidays.
