Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley Say Bronny James Needs to Focus ‘on Getting Better’ After NBA Debut

When Bronny James stepped onto the floor alongside his father, LeBron, the duo made NBA history at the season opener.

Now, the Los Angeles Lakers rookie needs time to develop his game, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley said on Inside the NBA on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Before the 20-year-old snapped off his warmups and was inserted into the lineup in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Barkley previewed the moment on the pregame show.

“Bronny is a prospect. Number one, I am glad he’s healthy,” the retired Hall of Fame forward, 61, said about James, who suffered cardiac arrest in July 2023 and missed part of his freshman season at USC until he was cleared to play.

Barkley then offered his assessment of the young player, who averaged 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds per game over six preseason games.

“I think he should be in the G League,” Barkley said. “He’s not ready to play in the NBA right now. He should be in the G League, because he’s not ready to play in the NBA first and foremost.”

The 11-time NBA All-Star added that James’ “best attribute” is as a defender, since he’s neither a true point guard or a shooting guard. 

“I think to take the pressure off him and let him get better as a player, he should be in the G League,” he concluded, less than an hour before the rookie’s debut.

James’ debut was short-lived. Three minutes after the crowd at Crypto.com Arena rose to its feet to witness the first time ever for a father and son to play together, Bronny left the game. The rookie missed two shots, but grabbed one rebound in the minimal playing time.

Following the Lakers win over the Timberwolves, 110-103, O’Neal reflected on the special night.

“Great moment, great accomplishment,” the retired Hall of Fame center, 52, said. “Would have loved to see him play more. Now this [debut] is over. I think he focuses on getting better.”

Shaq also brought a dose of reality to the evening, despite the build-up and excitement surrounding the moment.

“He’s not going to be in the starting lineup, he’s probably not going to be in the second lineup but if I’m him I’m working somehow to get some type of rotation to get some type of flow,” O’Neal said of Bronny. “Again, because of his last name we want him to be great but as LeBron said there are 450 of us [playing in the NBA] and there are only a few rookies that have came in and had a great impact immediately. [I’ve] known the kid a long time.”

O’Neal concluded, “He works hard, he’s willing to learn so I wish him well. But great accomplishment for the James family.”