“LeBron’s WORST Nightmare Just Came True: Bronny’s NBA Struggles Expose the Harsh Truth, While Carmelo’s Son Kian Shines Bright!”

LeBron James’ Dream of Playing Alongside His Son May Have Backfired Spectacularly — Here’s How Bronny’s Struggles and Kian Anthony’s Rise Are Changing the Narrative Forever

November 15, 2025. Milwaukee. The Los Angeles Lakers were facing the Bucks, but this wasn’t just another regular season game. It was a night that carried immense weight for one young player: Bronny James.

LeBron James’ eldest son was given his second career start in the NBA. With LeBron, Marcus Smart, and Rui Hachimura all sidelined, Bronny was thrust into a high-pressure moment that could have been his breakout performance.

Instead, it turned into a nightmare.

Bronny’s Disastrous Performance

In just 10 minutes on the court, Bronny’s stat line told a story no one wanted to write. Four points. One of 16 shooting. Zero assists. Zero rhythm.

The Bucks dared him to shoot, sagging off defensively, almost mocking his presence on the floor. Every possession seemed to highlight his lack of readiness. His missed shots, his hesitation, his inability to find a groove — they all screamed one thing: he wasn’t ready.

By the time he returned to the bench, the narrative had already begun to form. Fans and analysts alike were murmuring the same uncomfortable truth: Bronny James doesn’t belong here.

The Weight of Expectations

Bronny’s struggles weren’t confined to just one game. His season stats heading into the matchup were dismal:

2.8 points per game
29% shooting from the field
25% from three-point range
Barely two assists per game in just over 12 minutes of playing time.

These aren’t numbers you’d expect from an NBA player, let alone one playing for one of the league’s most storied franchises.

And yet, Bronny wasn’t just on the Lakers’ roster — he was starting games. Why? Because of a storyline that began long before he ever stepped foot on an NBA court.

LeBron’s Dream Becomes Bronny’s Burden

LeBron James has never been shy about his dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. For years, he spoke openly about it, turning what could have been a private goal into a public spectacle.

When Bronny declared for the draft, the narrative took on a life of its own. Suddenly, it wasn’t about whether Bronny was ready for the NBA. It was about fulfilling LeBron’s dream.

As Stephen A. Smith put it:
“Bronny didn’t enter the NBA through the draft. He entered through the door LeBron held open.”

That door, however, came with a price. Instead of being allowed to grow at his own pace, Bronny was thrust into the spotlight, placed under pressure he wasn’t prepared to handle.

The Rise of Kiyan Anthony

While Bronny struggled to find his footing in the NBA, another young star was making waves in a very different way.

Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony, was building his own legacy — and doing it the hard way.

Unlike Bronny, Kiyan wasn’t handed a spotlight. He earned it. On the Nike EYBL circuit, he averaged nearly 20 points per game. At Peach Jam, he dropped over 21 points per game, including a jaw-dropping 40-point performance that had scouts scrambling to take notes.

By the time he committed to Syracuse — his father’s alma mater — in November 2024, it felt natural, authentic, and deserved.

Kiyan wasn’t coasting on his father’s name. He was building his own.

The Stark Contrast

The comparison between Bronny and Kiyan has become impossible to ignore.

Bronny’s defenders point to his cardiac arrest scare, his recovery, and the immense pressure of being LeBron’s son. They argue that he needs time, patience, and understanding.

Kiyan’s supporters, however, point to his production. His numbers, his performances, and his undeniable growth speak for themselves.

One path is built on potential and hope. The other is built on results.

And that’s where the uncomfortable truth lies: Bronny James is more overrated than Kiyan Anthony.

Not because Bronny lacks heart or effort, but because his situation was shaped by influence, not accomplishment.

The Fallout of Bronny’s Struggles

Bronny’s zero-point performance against the Bucks wasn’t just a bad game. It was a confirmation of what many had already begun to suspect: he’s not ready for the NBA.

The league is too fast, too strong, too unforgiving. And the Lakers’ decision to skip steps in Bronny’s development is now coming back to haunt them.

Instead of letting Bronny grow in the G-League or dominate at a lower level, they threw him into the deep end. And now, he’s drowning under the weight of expectations he never asked for.

Kiyan’s Path to Greatness

Meanwhile, Kiyan Anthony continues to rise. Analysts rave about his shooting touch, his advanced footwork, and his clean mechanics. They point to real numbers, real performances, and real moments that prove he belongs.

Kiyan’s journey hasn’t been shaped by media narratives or external pressure. It’s been built on hard work, steady improvement, and a quiet determination to carve out his own legacy.

By the time he steps onto the court at Syracuse, he’ll do so with confidence, knowing he earned his place.

LeBron’s Dream vs. Reality

LeBron James’ dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA was supposed to be a feel-good story. A father and son sharing the court, making history together.

But the reality has been far less inspiring.

Instead of lifting Bronny up, LeBron’s dream has placed an unbearable weight on his son’s shoulders. Every missed shot, every bad game, every empty stat line becomes a headline.

And while LeBron’s intentions may have been pure, the execution has left Bronny in an impossible situation.

What’s Next for Bronny?

The question now is simple: what happens next?

Does Bronny continue to struggle under the bright lights of the NBA, or does he take a step back to rebuild his confidence and refine his game?

And more importantly, will LeBron allow him to take that step back?

Kiyan’s Bright Future

As for Kiyan Anthony, his future looks brighter than ever. With his commitment to Syracuse, he’s poised to follow in his father’s footsteps while carving out his own unique path.

He’s not just Carmelo Anthony’s son anymore. He’s Kiyan Anthony — a rising star in his own right.

The Legacy Debate

The narratives surrounding Bronny James and Kiyan Anthony highlight a deeper issue in basketball: the difference between influence and achievement.

Bronny’s journey has been shaped by his father’s influence, while Kiyan’s has been defined by his own accomplishments.

One path is built on hope. The other is built on hard work.

And in the end, it’s hard work that always wins.