Doug Gottlieb Says Bronny James Wouldn't Even Start For Him At Wisconsin-Green Bay

Bronny James might be good enough to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, but he wouldn't even be a starter at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — according to Doug Gottlieb, anyway.

Despite having zero previous college basketball coaching experience, Gottlieb was named the head coach at Green Bay in May. And when asked on Twitter, point-blank, if LeBron's oldest son would be a starter on his squad, Gottlieb basically said no.

READ: Doug Gottlieb's Ridiculed Coaching Fantasy Comes True - He's Now A Major College Coach

"He would compete to start, but while I like how he moves the ball and defends, he wouldn’t be my point, and my wings are bigger and without seeing him w/us, I think it would be hard for him to start [to be honest]," he responded.

The Lakers drafted Bronny in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2024 NBA Draft — prompting many fans and media members to call out the obvious nepotism. And so far, the 19-year-old isn't doing much to silence his critics.

Bronny has struggled to find any sort of rhythm in the NBA Summer League. He went 0-of-8 from 3-point range and finished 3-of-14 overall while scoring eight points with five rebounds and two steals in Friday’s loss to the Houston Rockets. He’s shot 6-for-26 through three games and has yet to knock down a 3.

Bronny James has struggled in the NBA Summer League.

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

After Friday’s loss, James said he would be open to starting the season in the G-League if need be.

"I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play — no matter what level I’m playing at," he said, according to the LA Times' Dan Woike.

As for Gottlieb, he inherits a Green Bay program that went 18-14 last season after three-straight years with less than 10 wins. The Phoenix have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2016.