ESPN analyst has a strong message for Bronny James over a strange decision in the G League

As the 2024-2025 NBA season gets underway, the Los Angeles Lakers’ plan for rookie Bronny James has crystallized, including a split arrangement between the NBA club and its G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

The format is a bit strange, however, as James only plays in South Bay’s home games. In initial reporting on the development plan, NBA insider Brian Windhorst alluded to the “nepotism” that James – the son of his veteran teammate LeBron James – would not fly commercially to South Bay away games. Fans thought that plan was strange and were largely critical of it.

Another who chimed in was ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, who spoke about it The twist podcast.

“What did Bronny James do that he couldn’t stay at the Courtyard Marriott? Well, you say, ‘they fly commercially.’ What has Bronny James done where he should be ‘too good’ to fly commercially? The pros aren’t about where you come from, how you were raised, what your parents had. Professional sport is about how well you can contribute. You are not treated differently because of your parents, you are treated differently because of your ability to contribute.”

Clark went on to explain his thoughts on James living around the idea that his fulfillment as a young professional athlete will have to come from how he proves his abilities to himself.

“If I’m Bronny James… I’m begging Rich Paul, I’m begging JJ Redick, I’m begging my dad, please let me travel with this team… Please let me go somewhere where I am Make more than six shots in three games to prove not only to my organization that I am worthy of being on this team, but also to myself.”

Clark played 13 years in the NFL, was part of a Pro Bowl team and was part of a Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers team.