CNN
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NBA legend Charles Barkley has criticized the Los Angeles Lakers over their handling of Bronny James this season.

The 20-year-old was selected by the franchise in the second round of the NBA draft in June, where he was added to the roster alongside his superstar father LeBron.

In October, the two made history together when they became the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game together.

Since then, however, the rookie guard has played a very limited role in the NBA and was assigned to the G League South Bay Lakers’ roster earlier this month.

Bronny now plays in the G League when the development team is at home, but returns to the NBA whenever they are on the road – a move that is causing confusion for some.

Critics include longtime Turner Sports broadcaster Barkley.

“They handled it terribly,” Barkley recently said on “The Bettor Angle” podcast, referring to the Lakers.

“I thought it was great, a little ceremony in his first game. But the boy is not ready to play in the NBA. He should be in the G League so he can play basketball. He won’t get any better sitting on the bench.

“But also this thing where he will only play home games. It’s stupid, it’s not fair to him. That’s not fair to the team.

“Can you imagine the coach of this team? You come back from a road trip and there’s a player you haven’t seen in a week or two. And then you feel like you probably have to play it. I don’t think they’re doing Bronny any favors.”

CNN has reached out to the Lakers and LeBron James for comment.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters in October that the team had always intended for the rookie to split his time between the NBA and the G League throughout the season.

“The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay was always there from day one,” Redick said, according to the Associated Press. “(Lakers general manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I talked about it. LeBron talked about it.”

Barkley also said the saga reflected poorly on the older James.

“Things are looking bad for the Lakers. I really like everything LeBron has done, but in my opinion this looks bad for him,” he added.

Bronny has had a slow start in the G League so far, totaling 10 points, five rebounds and six assists in 57 minutes of play in two games.

Although many wonder if Bronny is ready for the NBA, his father is just grateful for the time he spent with his son on the team.

“Being able to experience this moment where I’m still working and being able to work with my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received from the man above and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” he told last month reporters.