As Bronny James embarks on his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the young guard has faced significant pressure to perform. Struggling to find his footing during preseason games, concerns have arisen among fans about whether he can live up to the high expectations associated with his illustrious surname.

However, NBA legend Charles Barkley has come to Bronny’s defense, urging patience and understanding as he navigates this pivotal stage in his career.

In a recent appearance on the Throwbacks podcast, Barkley emphasized the importance of allowing Bronny the time and space to develop his skills. “They’ve got to handle this thing with kid gloves,” he advised, underscoring that Bronny is “not a finished product yet.” Barkley expressed his relief that Bronny is healthy and highlighted the collective support from fans who respect his father, LeBron James.

Barkley is keenly aware of the unique pressures that come with being the son of a basketball icon. “It’s not going to be easy—he has a target on his back,” Barkley noted. Yet, he views Bronny’s journey as a compelling story, likening it to other famous father-son duos in sports, such as the Griffeys in baseball. “We’ve seen father-son duos like the Griffeys in baseball, but not quite like this in basketball. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”

With the NBA season underway, fans and critics alike should remember that Bronny is still finding his way. As he continues to grow and learn, the support of legends like Barkley will be invaluable. For now, it’s about giving Bronny the opportunity to shine in his own right, beyond the shadow of his father’s legacy.