The NBA's gonna have a
real problem on its hands when LeBron James retires ... so
says Kwame Brown, who tells TMZ Sports the league
isn't putting enough focus on the next generation of athletes -- like that one
guy on the OKC Thunder.
We spoke with the former
2001 No. 1 overall pick at LAX this week about the current state of the
Association ... and he pointed out the top teams in the Western Conference
aren't getting nearly as much coverage as the Lakers due to the LeBron effect.
"You got this young
talent," Brown said. "The only thing I see what's wrong with the NBA
is that they hold on to the 'superstar' thing too long. We got OKC ... before,
I didn't even know their starting 5. You don't even know their coach."
"You gotta start
promoting this young talent that you have. Otherwise, they're going to be
scrambling when LeBron's gone."
Our camera guy pretty
much proved Brown's point ... 'cause when he brought up MVP candidate Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander, he asked how his name's pronounced -- and both dudes
were stumped.
As for SGA's season, the
25-year-old Canadian is averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists and
2.1 steals a game ... leading the Thunder to a 46-20 record, tied for the best
in the Western Conference.
He's one of the most
exciting players on the court today ... and it's safe to say Brown wants the
league to treat him like it.