Bronny James Shines in NBA Summer League Despite Challenges
Bronny James, the young promising guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has had an eventful and revealing NBA Summer League. Standing at 6-foot-2 and primarily playing the shooting guard position, Bronny has shown glimpses of potential while also highlighting areas that require development.
James concluded his final two games in the NBA Summer League with an impressive 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. After a rough start where he struggled to find his footing, this performance provided a much-needed boost of confidence. Prior to these games, Bronny managed to convert only 3 of 8 in his three-point shooting attempts after going 0 for 15 in his first four games. His early games in San Francisco and Las Vegas were challenging, as he shot just 7 for 31 overall, indicating a significant adjustment period.
Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, provided positive insights about Bronny’s progression. "He had two pretty good games last two. I think it's just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level. It's still going to take a lot of time and a lot of reps," Johnson remarked.
The Lakers selected James with the 55th pick in the NBA draft, a decision that has naturally drawn considerable attention given his lineage. As a guard, he has demonstrated the ability to compete at the professional level, particularly during games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, there are ongoing concerns regarding his ballhandling ability and the need for a more consistent perimeter shot.
Interestingly, the Lakers are considering developing Bronny into a combo guard. "I think right now he's more of a (shooting guard), but I think he could be a combo-ish. He picks up stuff really well. We throw stuff at him -- plays, coverages, defensively. He kind of picks it up really quickly, so I think he could potentially be (a point guard)," Johnson explained. This versatility could be pivotal for his future role with the team.
The road to the NBA has not been without its hurdles for Bronny. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. His resilience through this medical ordeal and subsequent recovery added an additional layer of admiration for his determination to pursue a professional basketball career.
Bronny declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC. These statistics, although modest, reflect his potential and the areas where he can grow. The Lakers are likely to utilize the G League as a significant part of his development, allowing him to gain experience and improve his skills in a competitive environment.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bronny's journey is the possibility of playing alongside his father, LeBron James. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, making this a historic potential milestone. While precedent exists in other sports, such as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. in baseball and Gordie Howe with his sons Marty and Mark in hockey, the NBA has yet to witness such a family pairing.
In the words of Johnson, Bronny’s approach to the game is commendable. "In general, he doesn't let any of that stuff get to him. He just wants to play basketball and be on a team. He's a good kid. He's listening. He's trying to learn," said Johnson. This attitude, coupled with his evident talent and growing experience, suggests that Bronny James has a bright future ahead of him in the NBA.
Despite the early struggles and the weight of expectations, Bronny James is steadily carving out his own identity on the hardwood. As he continues to develop his game, the young guard remains a captivating figure in the basketball world, embodying both the promise of potential and the ever-present legacy of his family name.