NBA analyst believes Bronny James should have extended his time in college basketball.

In the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers picked Bronny James with the 55th overall selection, making him the latest addition to his father, LeBron James' team.

During a recent appearance on OutKick's "The Ricky Cobb Show," NBA broadcaster David Aldridge stated that he believed the younger James should have stayed in college basketball for another year.

"David believes that if Bronny had returned to college this year, he could have been the star player at a school where he could have thrived."

"If there were 50 Division I schools, he could have been the star player and put up impressive numbers, gaining experience as the focal point of a college team. After that, he could have entered the NBA on his own terms."

Aldridge pointed out that the USC product underwent major surgery not long ago.

"It appears that he underwent open-heart surgery. It seems that people have overlooked the fact that the child had open-heart surgery last year. This is a significant obstacle to the season."

Last season, the Trojans' 19-year-old player averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 25 games.

James is unlikely to see much playing time with the Lakers this season, according to Aldridge.

The G League is where he will spend most of his time this year. Although he may make an appearance at some point, I believe he won't see much playing time with the Lakers because he is not yet at the level of development required for the NBA. This is the NBA.

"He is not yet the best of the best, but with development and growth, he could get there. He needs to physically strengthen and age like all kids do when they enter the league."

In 2016, the Basketball Hall of Fame bestowed the Curt Gowdy Media Award upon Aldridge, recognizing his exceptional work as a basketball writer and broadcaster.

Currently, Aldridge serves as a senior columnist for The Athletic, having spent nearly three decades covering the NBA and other sports for Turner, ESPN, and The Washington Post.

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