Kwame Brown says the Lakers should cut Bronny and bring up Quincy Olivari.

Kwame Brown, former Los Angeles Lakers big man, has sparked controversy with his recent comments regarding rookie Bronny James. Brown believes the Lakers should cut the younger James and give his roster spot to two-way player Quincy Olivari, who has impressed with his performances in the G League.

Kwame Brown’s Criticism of Bronny James

In a candid statement, Brown questioned Bronny James’ place on the Lakers roster, suggesting that the team should prioritize performance over legacy. “We’ve got a kid who does not deserve his job,” Brown said, referring to Bronny’s position on the team. “Why can’t they just cut Bronny and bring up Quincy, somebody to help the Lakers?”

Brown’s comments come after the Lakers suffered a devastating 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game in which both LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled. Brown pointed out that the Lakers need more help from their role players, but also highlighted that the younger James’ performance has not earned him a spot over someone like Olivari.

Quincy Olivari: A Bright Spot for the Lakers

Quincy Olivari has been a standout in the G League, showcasing his skills and earning a two-way deal with the Lakers prior to the start of the 2024-25 season. Although not drafted in 2024, Olivari’s impressive preseason performances and subsequent G League numbers have made him a rising star in the Lakers organization.

In just four G League games, Olivari has been averaging 23.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, with solid shooting splits of 35.5% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. His ability to fill multiple roles on the court and provide a scoring spark has made him an appealing option for the Lakers, especially with the team struggling in certain areas.

Former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas also praised Olivari’s performance, noting that he earned his spot with the Lakers by outplaying others in the preseason. However, Brown argued that Olivari should have been given the standard roster spot over Bronny James from the start, pointing out that it was a mistake to offer Bronny a guaranteed position.

Bronny James’ Struggles in the NBA

Since being drafted as the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James has faced challenges in adjusting to the NBA’s level of competition. In the six games he’s played for the Lakers, the 20-year-old guard has averaged just 0.7 points, 0.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in limited minutes. His shooting has been subpar, and he’s yet to make a significant impact on the court.

Despite these struggles, the Lakers signed Bronny to a four-year contract worth nearly $8 million, with a team option for the final season. The presence of his father, LeBron James, on the roster is also a factor in keeping Bronny on the team, making it unlikely the Lakers would cut him this early in the season.

The Lakers’ Current Roster Situation

The Lakers’ roster situation has sparked debate about competition and whether a spot on the team should be guaranteed based on legacy or earned through performance. With Bronny James occupying a standard deal and Quincy Olivari on a two-way contract, the Lakers are forced to balance the commercial appeal of having LeBron’s son on the roster with the need for effective contributions on the court.

Brown believes that the Lakers need to make tough decisions in order to compete in the Western Conference. “It’s a competition,” he said. “Bronny should have been cut by now, and Olivari shouldn’t have to be gracious or grateful for [his spot].” Brown’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that the Lakers may need to prioritize performance over sentiment if they want to contend this season.

The Future of Bronny and Olivari with the Lakers

While Bronny’s development may take time, especially given his limited minutes this season, his situation remains tied to his father’s legacy with the team. However, Quincy Olivari’s growth in the G League has made him a strong candidate for an elevated role, and the Lakers may need to find ways to incorporate him into the rotation if they hope to compete in the Western Conference.

For now, the Lakers will likely continue to invest in Bronny James’ growth, but if his performance doesn’t improve, Quincy Olivari could see more opportunities in the future. As the season progresses, the Lakers’ roster decisions will be under intense scrutiny, with the team needing to balance family ties and commercial appeal with the goal of building a championship-contending squad.

Conclusion: Lakers’ Tough Decisions Ahead

The Lakers face a tough decision on whether to continue developing Bronny James or give Quincy Olivari a more prominent role. Kwame Brown’s bold comments bring the issue to the forefront, reminding everyone that the team must prioritize performance if they want to compete at the highest level. While Bronny’s journey with the Lakers is just beginning, Olivari’s impressive performances in the G League have made him a player to watch moving forward.

As the Lakers continue to navigate the balance between legacy and competition, the coming weeks will likely determine whether Bronny James can prove himself worthy of his spot or if Olivari will earn his place in the spotlight.