Bronny James: A Journey of Progress and Potential
Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown both promise and growing pains during the NBA Summer League. Concluding his final two games with a notable 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, the 6-foot-2 shooting guard demonstrated a marked improvement.
James, the 55th pick in the NBA draft by the Lakers, initially faced challenges with his form and consistency. During his first four games, he struggled with his three-point shooting, missing all 15 of his attempts. However, in the last two games, Bronny turned a corner, converting 3 of 8 three-pointers and boosting his confidence going forward.
"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," shared Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach. "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's comments underscore the balancing act of nurturing Bronny's confidence while also addressing essential areas for development such as ballhandling and perimeter shooting.
Leading up to his standout performances, Bronny shot just 7 for 31 overall during the Summer League games in San Francisco and Las Vegas. These initial struggles highlighted the learning curve he faces as he transitions to the professional level.
Beyond his recent outings, Bronny's journey has had moments of significant adversity. Last summer, Bronny experienced cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California, eventually undergoing surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. Despite this major setback, he declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his single college season at USC.
"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 Coach Johnson, emphasizing Bronny's resilience and willingness to grow.
The Lakers remain optimistic about Bronny’s potential, considering the possibility of him evolving 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 quick, so I think he could potentially be (a point guard)," Johnson observed, highlighting Bronny's adaptability and keen basketball mind.
Reflecting on Bronny's performances, the Lakers are likely to use the G League as a platform for his continued development. This approach will provide him with plentiful game time and the opportunity to refine the skills necessary to thrive at the NBA level.
Though Bronny has shown he can compete against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, there is a unanimous understanding that his journey is just beginning. His potential to join an exclusive group of father-and-son duos in professional sports adds a fascinating layer to his story. If Bronny aligns his trajectory with the guidance and support he receives, he could follow in the footsteps of iconic tandems like Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., who played together in the MLB, and Gordie Howe, who shared the ice with his sons in the WHA and NHL.
As Bronny James continues his path in professional basketball, the mixture of support from the Lakers organization and his intrinsic drive suggests a compelling future lies ahead. Whether watching him develop as a rookie or eventually imagining the historic moment he might share the court with his legendary father, the basketball world remains captivated by Bronny's unfolding story.