LeBron James Goes Crazy After Lakers Players Attacked Bronny In The Locker Room
The saga of Bronny James joining the Los Angeles Lakers has shifted from a historic father-son milestone into a toxic soap opera of locker room friction, nepotism allegations, and a full-blown civil war within the Lakers’ upper management. What started as a “dream come true” has devolved into a case study of how superstar influence can fracture a franchise’s foundation.
The Locker Room Rift: “Star Treatment” vs. Chemistry
The tension began in the 2024 Summer League, where the discrepancy between Bronny’s performance and his usage rate created an immediate divide. Despite shooting a dismal 22.6% from the field and going 0-for-15 from the three-point line in his first four games, Bronny received the second-most minutes on the team.
Teammate Frustration: Anonymous Summer League players reported that the team had “no chemistry” because game plans were designed specifically to help Bronny “shine” at the expense of others trying to earn a roster spot.
The “Impostor” Feel: One player noted that Bronny was treated as “someone apart,” which alienated a group of athletes fighting for their professional lives.
Ownership’s Defense: Jeanie Buss dismissed these complaints as “jealousy” from players who weren’t going to make the cut anyway, further fueling the “us vs. them” mentality within the organization.
The JJ Redick Outburst: Tough Love or Performance?
By the 2025-2026 season, the pressure reached a breaking point. During a nationally televised game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2025, head coach JJ Redick—once LeBron’s podcast partner—reached his limit with Bronny’s hesitation.
After Bronny passed up two wide-open three-pointers, Redick was caught on camera cussing and screaming at the rookie to “shoot the ball.” He benched Bronny after just four minutes of play. While Bronny handled the situation with maturity—admitting he needed to be more assertive—the incident highlighted the impossible position Redick occupies: trying to develop a player who is under a global microscope while maintaining accountability in a locker room led by the player’s father.
The Data: A Stark Reality
The statistical argument against Bronny’s inclusion in the rotation is staggering. Stephen A. Smith and other analysts have pointed to a “triple-single” that is hard to ignore:
Statistic
2025-26 Season (Early)
Points Per Game
0.3
Assists Per Game
0.3
Rebounds Per Game
0.4
Field Goal %
6.2% (1 of 16)
3-Point %
0% (0 for 7)
These numbers have led to the “Marvis Frazier” comparison: a legendary father (Joe Frazier/LeBron) putting his son in a “ring” (the NBA) against “heavyweights” (elite NBA veterans) before he is ready, leading to a public dismantling that is painful to watch.
The Ownership Cold War
Perhaps the most damaging revelation is the fractured relationship between LeBron James and Jeanie Buss. The tension reportedly stems from:
The Sale Leak: LeBron was reportedly “blindsided” when he learned through Luka Dončić—not ownership—that the team was being sold to Mark Walter.
The “Gratitude” Gap: Jeanie Buss privately expressed that LeBron showed no gratitude for the “gesture” of drafting Bronny, which she viewed as a massive favor to keep him in L.A.
The Accountability Pivot: Buss reportedly remains resentful over the 2021 Russell Westbrook trade, which she believes was forced by LeBron, though he later evaded accountability for its failure.
LeBron’s public stance remains one of “non-interference,” claiming he doesn’t talk to coaches about his son’s minutes. However, in the high-stakes world of the NBA, silence is often its own form of pressure. As Bronny continues to split time between the G-League and the end of the Lakers’ bench, the question remains: is this a development project, or a vanity project that is costing the Lakers their culture?
