Ryan Clark Criticizes Lakers for Giving Bronny James Special Treatment
Ryan Clark Criticizes Lakers for Giving Special Treatment to Rookie Bronny James

Source: Sean Gardner / Getty
Sports analyst Ryan Clark has criticized the Los Angeles Lakers’ handling of rookie Bronny James, particularly their decision to restrict him to only G League home games with the South Bay Lakers.
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ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Lakers’ plan was to limit Bronny’s playing time to home games, without traveling for road games. Windhorst stated, “He’s only going to kind of be a part-time G League player, and he’s not getting on United Airlines and going to fly to play these road games.”
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On The Pivot Podcast, Clark questioned why the Lakers were treating Bronny differently, arguing that the young player needs more playing time to develop. Clark said, “What has Bronny James done that he shouldn’t be able to stay at the Courtyard Marriott? What has Bronny James done where he should be too good to fly commercial?” He emphasized that professional sports should be about how well a player contributes, not their background or family. “The pros isn’t where you came from, how you were raised, what your parents had. Professional sports is about how well you can contribute,” Clark explained. “You don’t get treated differently because of your parents. You get treated differently because of how you contribute.”
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Clark went on to express that if he were Bronny, he would be begging for the chance to travel with the team to get more playing experience. “If I’m Bronny James, I’m begging Rich Paul, I’m begging JJ Redick, I’m begging my father, please let me travel with this team. Please let me stay at the Courtyard Marriott. Please let me fly commercial. Please let me go somewhere where I can get more than six shots in three games to not only prove it to my organization that I’m worthy of being on this team, but to my damn self.”
Windhorst, while acknowledging that Bronny was receiving “special treatment” due to nepotism, shared similar concerns. He said, “I know he’s getting somewhat special treatment and nepotism…that’s fine. Honestly, I don’t care. Like I said, it’s normal. Now, I think it’s actually detrimental to him. I don’t like that.”
In Bronny’s early G League games, he struggled with efficiency, scoring just six points in his season opener and four points on 2-of-10 shooting in his second game. His development continues to be closely watched, with many wondering if he can prove himself as a valuable player for the Lakers.
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