"How is he supposed to develop": UWGB coach Doug Gottlieb critical of LeBron James' son Bronny possibly getting "special treatment" in NBA
Doug Gottlieb had some words to share about Bronny James' NBA situation following a decision made by the Los Angeles Lakers. The 48-year-old said that the way LeBron James' son was being treated would affect his development.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball coach reacted to the recent news of how the Lakers are going to utilize LeBron James' son moving forward. As reported by ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the team plans to play him in the G-League, but only for the home games of their affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
“He’s only going to play in the South Bay Lakers’ home games. He’s only going to kind of be a part-time G League player, and he’s not getting on United Airlines to fly to these road games. I know he’s getting somewhat special treatment and nepotism. That’s fine; honestly, I don’t care. Like I said, it’s normal," Windhorst said.
"Now, I think it’s actually detrimental to him. I don’t like that. I don’t know whose idea it was, but obviously, the Lakers are fine with it—they’re doing it. On this particular instance, I think that’s gone too far, and I don’t think it benefits Bronny. I don’t think it benefits the South Bay Lakers, and I don’t think it benefits LeBron at this point," he added.
Doug Gottlieb was confused by the Lakers' strategy of developing Bronny James, believing the decision to be counterproductive and possibly detrimental to his long-term growth in the league. He reacted accordingly on social media, with his choice of words being clear.
"How is he supposed to develop this way? Congrats on the photo opp in game 1, but this goes counter to any legitimate plan on development," Gottlieb said.
Doug Gottlieb's time as head coach so far, expectations this season
Doug Gottlieb is currently in his first year as a head coach, being hired to lead the Green Bay men's basketball team to success.
The last time the team made the Division I NCAA Tournament was in 2016 (1996 before that), and their last appearance in the championship game was in 1979 at the Division II level. Green Bay had an 18-14 record in 2023-24 before Doug Gottlieb arrived and have not had the best of starts under him.
The team lost their first two games against Oklahoma State and St. Thomas (Minnesota). Despite this, they have an opportunity to bounce back and give their coach his first career win, playing Western Illinois on the road at the Western Hall arena on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.