Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, is already making waves in his early professional career. Fresh from his appearance in the NBA Summer League, James has displayed a mix of promising skills and areas in need of development, marking him as a player to watch in the coming seasons.
In his final two games of the Summer League, held in San Francisco and Las Vegas, James made a notable impact. He accumulated 25 points, shooting 10-of-21 from the field. His 3-point shooting saw a significant improvement as well, converting 3 of 8 attempts after missing all 15 of his shots in his first four games. These performances reveal a player growing into his role and finding his footing at the professional level.
Initially, James struggled, shooting just 7 for 31 overall. Despite these early challenges, his resilience and dedication have earned him praise from Lakers Summer League coach, Dane Johnson. "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 said, highlighting the gradual but promising progress of the young guard.
Standing at 6-foot-2, James has primarily been playing the shooting guard position. However, the Lakers are considering developing him into a combo guard to maximize his versatility on the court. Johnson further elaborated on this potential transition, stating, "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 quick, so I think he could potentially be (a point guard)."
Seasoned observers within the league have noted some areas where James will need to improve, particularly in ballhandling and developing a more consistent perimeter shot. These skills are crucial for any guard in the NBA, and addressing them will be key to James' future success.
Beyond his on-court performance, James has shown remarkable resilience off the court. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. This significant health scare did not deter him; instead, it fueled his determination to succeed. After recovering, he declared for the NBA draft, having averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC. The Lakers selected him as the 55th pick in the draft, a testament to their belief in his potential and determination.
The Lakers are likely to use the G League for James' development, providing him with ample opportunities to refine his skills and gain valuable experience. This approach aligns with the team's long-term strategy to nurture young talent and prepare them for the challenges of the NBA.
Interestingly, no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, an achievement unique to other sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together in 1990 and 1991 with the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball, while Gordie Howe played with his sons, Marty and Mark, in the WHA and NHL. Whether or not LeBron James and Bronny James will eventually share the court in an NBA game remains an exciting possibility for fans and a unique chapter in sports history.
Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, provided further insight into Bronny James' character and commitment to the game. "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 noted. This attitude, combined with his evident talent, positions James well for the future.
Bronny James' journey in the NBA is just beginning, and while there are many hurdles to overcome, his potential and resilience offer a promising glimpse into what could be an illustrious career. The Lakers' investment in his development reflects their belief in his abilities and their commitment to fostering young talent. As James continues to grow and refine his game, basketball fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see what the future holds for this young guard.