Bronny James Shows Potential Amidst Challenges in NBA Summer League
Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has had a rollercoaster experience during this year’s NBA Summer League. Despite initial struggles, James concluded his final two games with an impressive 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting.
During these concluding games, James’ three-point shooting showed signs of improvement as he managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets. This was a notable recovery after having missed all 15 of his attempts in the first four games. His overall performance in the initial games was tense, as he shot just 7 for 31 while playing in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Selected as the 55th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA draft, Bronny James stands at 6-foot-2 and has been primarily playing the shooting guard position. There are, however, plans to develop him into a more versatile combo guard. "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."
The adaptability and learning curve of James have been encouraging, especially considering the adversity he has faced. Last summer, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and had to undergo surgery for a congenital heart defect. This harrowing experience has added another layer of complexity to his journey to professional basketball.
Johnson expressed optimism over Bronny's recent performances. "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." Indeed, the Lakers are considering utilizing the G League for Bronny James' ongoing development, ensuring he gets the necessary time and practice to evolve his skills.
Bronny has exhibited moments of poise and capability, particularly in games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite concerns regarding his ballhandling ability and the need for a more consistent perimeter shot, his potential remains undeniable. "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.
In his sole college season at USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, numbers that reflect both his promise and the areas requiring further improvement. Now in the professional arena, he faces an even steeper learning curve and heightened expectations.
It’s worth noting that no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously. This fact adds an intriguing subplot for fans, as Bronny strives to build on the legacy of his father, LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The sports world has seen similar familial bonds in other leagues, such as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. playing together in Major League Baseball, and Gordie Howe playing alongside sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.
The road ahead for Bronny James is filled with opportunities and challenges. The Lakers organization appears committed to nurturing his talent and facilitating his growth as a player. As he continues to navigate the demands of professional basketball, Bronny's resilience and adaptability will be key factors in determining his trajectory.