Bronny James: Promise, Perils, and Potential with the Lakers
Bronny James, the highly-touted young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown glimpses of his potential during his initial NBA Summer League appearances. Standing at 6-foot-2, James has predominantly played as a shooting guard but is being considered for development into a versatile combo guard—a position that allows flexibility between shooting guard and point guard roles.
In the NBA Summer League, Bronny James showcased his burgeoning talent during his final two games, scoring a commendable 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. His three-point shooting improved markedly as he converted 3 of 8 attempts, a significant recovery after missing his first 15 attempts over four games. Despite these strides, his overall performance throughout the Summer League games in San Francisco and Las Vegas presented a mixed picture, with James initially struggling, shooting just 7 for 31 from the field.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected James as the 55th pick in the NBA draft, a decision driven by his potential more than his immediate readiness. The Lakers' Summer League coach, Dane Johnson, offered praise and constructive insights about James. "I think right now he's more of a shooting guard, but I think he could be a combo-ish," Johnson said. "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's remarks highlight James' capacity to assimilate complex basketball concepts quickly, a promising sign for his future role on the team. Despite these flashes of promise, there remain areas of concern. Chief among these is his ballhandling ability and the need for a more consistent perimeter shot. "He had two pretty good games the 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 noted.
James' journey has not been without its challenges. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and subsequently underwent surgery to address a congenital heart defect. This medical episode added an unexpected hurdle to his path, but Bronny's resilience and commitment to the game have been unwavering. He declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC.
James’ aptitude for learning quickly and his previous performances against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers indicate that he has the competitive spirit necessary to thrive at the professional level. However, to ensure his development, the Lakers are likely to utilize the G League, providing James with more playing time and a platform to hone his skills.
Bronny James’ potential presence in the Lakers' roster also brings attention to a historical context. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously. This fact adds a layer of anticipation and excitement, resembling monumental moments in other sports. For instance, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. shared the field in 1990 and 1991 with the Seattle Mariners, while hockey legend Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.
Dane Johnson provides insight into Bronny’s character amidst the pressures of his surname and the scrutiny that accompanies it. "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 shared.
In conclusion, Bronny James’ journey with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of promise, laced with the inevitable trials of adapting to professional basketball. His progression will be closely watched, and while there are challenges ahead, his dedication and adaptability make him a captivating prospect for the future. The Lakers, alongside their supportive fans, will undoubtedly be rooting for Bronny as he continues to grow, develop, and carve out his own legacy in the NBA.