Bronny James’ NBA debut felt like a moment of triumph for LeBron. But for everyone watching, it quickly became clear: Bronny isn’t ready. On November 15th, 2025, in Milwaukee, the Lakers finally gave him the chance to step into a real game that actually mattered. The results were not pretty. With zero points, no field goals, and a complete lack of rhythm, fans and analysts couldn’t help but ask: Is Bronny overrated?

Just 10 minutes on the court, less than three bench players, and one awkward stat line. Zero points. Zero makes. A minus-6 rating. He couldn’t even buy a basket, both from beyond the arc and within. And the worst part? It was painfully obvious that Bronny was nowhere near NBA ready. In fact, some fans are already calling for him to spend some time in the G-League, pointing out that his game looks too fast for him. The disparity between Bronny’s development and his peers couldn’t be clearer, especially when you compare him to Keon Anthony, who is already putting up 40-point games in the AAU circuits and dominating on the college scene.

Bronny’s numbers, heading into that game against the Milwaukee Bucks, weren’t inspiring either. 2.3 points, 1.9 assists, 29.2% shooting, and 25% from three. These are not NBA-level stats. They’re barely G-League-level stats. Yet, there he was, starting in a game that mattered for one of the most high-profile teams in the league. Everyone knows how he got there: LeBron James, his father, turned Bronny’s journey into a media spectacle, creating an expectation that was impossible to meet. The question that everyone’s been avoiding is now impossible to ignore: Did LeBron set his son up for failure by pushing him into the spotlight too soon?

Stephen A. Smith was one of the first to call it out. After the courtside exchange between LeBron and him in March 2025, it became even harder to argue with Stephen A.’s point. Bronny’s in the NBA because of his last name. His stats didn’t say NBA, but LeBron’s dream of playing with his son did. LeBron, for better or worse, turned his son’s NBA journey into a made-for-TV moment, a storyline that didn’t have to be authentic, just entertaining. The whole world knew Bronny wasn’t ready.

Meanwhile, Keon Anthony, the son of Carmelo, is out here grinding and putting up real numbers. Keon isn’t coasting off his dad’s fame. He’s creating his own legacy, step by step. Keon’s commitment to Syracuse on November 15th, 2024, didn’t come with a media tour or an orchestrated event. It came with real production on the court. Keon has already shown that he belongs on the big stage, putting up impressive numbers at the Peach Jam and AAU circuits. This wasn’t just hype. This was skill.

Unlike Bronny, Keon doesn’t have to live under a shadow. He’s not out there, struggling to make his shots while fans whisper about his pedigree. He’s proving himself in real time, game after game, with numbers that reflect his talent, not his last name. Keon Anthony is not overrated. He’s earned his spot at Syracuse with hard work and performance that speaks for itself.

Carmelo’s legacy is different from LeBron’s. Carmelo didn’t force his son into the spotlight. He didn’t need to. He allowed Keon to take his time, to develop, and to dominate on the circuits before the world started paying attention. By the time Keon steps onto the court at Syracuse, he will have already proven himself as a legitimate talent. Keon isn’t there because of Carmelo’s legacy. He’s there because he earned it.

The contrast with Bronny’s situation is striking. Bronny’s path was scripted, from the moment LeBron went public about his desire to play alongside him. LeBron made it a media event before Bronny had a chance to build his own game. Every tough night, every missed shot, is now tied to his father’s ambitions, not his own. And because of that, Bronny’s struggles will always be viewed through the lens of the narrative LeBron created for him.

Keon, on the other hand, is building his own story. The work is evident. The numbers are there. And there’s no one else to blame for his success but him. It’s not a media creation; it’s his reality. While Bronny stumbles through his first real NBA experience, Keon is already proving himself in the real world of college basketball.

Fans are already taking sides. Some still support Bronny, defending him by pointing to his recovery from the heart scare and the unrealistic expectations placed on him by his father. But at some point, the numbers speak louder than the narrative. LeBron’s influence can only take Bronny so far. At some point, skill has to match the hype. Unfortunately for Bronny, that’s not where he is right now.

Keon’s critics will say that he’s just riding his father’s coattails, but they’re missing the point. Keon is proving his worth every time he steps on the court. He’s not getting attention because of Melo. He’s getting it because he deserves it. Meanwhile, Bronny’s defenders can only offer potential and patience as a defense for his lack of production. That’s the difference. Keon’s defenders have numbers, highlights, and real accomplishments. Bronny’s defenders have hope.

So, who’s overrated here? The answer seems clear. Bronny James is being hyped far beyond his current ability. His NBA status was granted based on his father’s influence, not his own performance. Meanwhile, Keon Anthony is out here earning every bit of his attention. He’s a top 40 recruit, and he’s showing up to play. No hype, just results.

LeBron’s desire to play with his son was admirable, but it set up an impossible situation for Bronny. Every misstep, every underwhelming performance, now comes back to haunt him. He’s not being judged on his potential alone anymore. He’s being judged on a story LeBron created, one that’s yet to be fulfilled. And in the meantime, Keon Anthony is quietly and confidently putting in the work to become a legend in his own right.

LeBron may have wanted a moment with his son, but Keon is crafting his own legacy without any strings attached. And while Bronny may still be figuring it out in the NBA, Keon is already laying the foundation for a future that is his to own.