Bronny James: A Glimpse Into the Future of the Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny James, the promising 6-foot-2 guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has had an eventful NBA Summer League. With a name that carries immense weight in the basketball world, Bronny has shown both flashes of brilliance and areas needing development as he transitions into the professional realm.
During the Summer League, Bronny wrapped up his final two games with an impressive 25 points, shooting 10-of-21 from the field. After struggling significantly with his three-point shooting early on—missing all 15 of his attempts in the first four games—he managed to convert 3 of 8 in his last two outings. This improvement is a positive in his journey towards becoming a more consistent perimeter threat.
Initially drafted as the 55th pick by the Lakers, Bronny's potential is evident despite his initial shooting woes. He began his Summer League campaign in San Francisco and Las Vegas with a challenging 7-for-31 shooting performance overall. Nevertheless, he demonstrated resilience and the ability to compete against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, providing a glimpse of his capability at the professional level.
The Lakers organization is actively considering developing Bronny into a combo guard, a role that would require him to hone his ballhandling skills and increase his basketball IQ. "I think right now he's more of a shooting guard, but I think he could be a combo-ish," said Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach. "He picks up stuff really well. We throw stuff at him—plays, coverages, defensively. He kind of picks it up really quick, so I think he could potentially be a point guard."
Johnson also noted that Bronny's last two games in the Summer League were pivotal for his confidence and growth. "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."
Beyond his on-court performance, Bronny has shown a remarkable ability to stay focused amidst the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being LeBron James’ son. "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," Johnson added.
Bronny's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Last summer, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and subsequently underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite this significant health scare, his determination to pursue his NBA dream remained unshaken, declaring for the draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC.
The Lakers are projected to use the G League as a developmental platform for Bronny, allowing him to refine his game and receive the necessary playing time to develop his skills further. This strategy could be pivotal in his growth, as it offers a competitive environment while still being part of the Lakers' broader system.
As Bronny progresses, it's important to note the historical context. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, although there have been notable father-son collaborations in other sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, while Gordie Howe took the ice with his sons, Marty and Mark, in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and National Hockey League (NHL).
Bronny's potential to follow in the footsteps of these legendary duos adds an intriguing narrative to his journey. With the guidance of the Lakers' developmental system and his evident dedication to the game, the future looks promising for the young guard. As he continues to grow and evolve, Bronny James represents not just the next generation of basketball talent but also a continuation of an extraordinary legacy.