The Los Angeles Lakers might have found a gem in Bronny James, the young guard who is already making waves in the NBA Summer League. Despite a rocky start, Bronny showcased his potential by ending his final two games with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, hinting at the bright future ahead for the 55th pick of the NBA draft.
Bronny's performance in his last two games highlighted his resilience and growth. After missing all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four games, he managed to find his rhythm, converting 3 of 8 shots from beyond the arc. Such a turnaround is a testament to his determination and willingness to adapt—a quality that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Lakers' coaching staff.
Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, praised Bronny's adaptability and quick learning curve. "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 said. Bronny’s versatility and rapid learning capabilities make him an intriguing prospect for the team.
Despite his initial struggles, shooting just 7 for 31 overall in his early games, Bronny rebounded well, demonstrating his ability to compete at a professional level in games against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers are optimistic about his potential and are keen on developing him further, likely through the G League.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Bronny predominantly played as a shooting guard, but the Lakers are exploring the idea of molding him into a combo guard. This potential transition could be pivotal in his development, offering the team more flexibility on the court. However, there are still aspects of his game that need refinement, particularly his ballhandling ability and consistency in perimeter shooting.
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, which led to surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite this severe setback, he declared for the NBA draft and entered the league with averages of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC. His resilience in overcoming such a critical health issue speaks volumes about his character and determination.
Johnson highlighted the importance of building Bronny's confidence and acclimating him to the rigors of professional play. "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 noted. This summer will be crucial for Bronny's development as he hones his skills and gains more experience.
A unique aspect of Bronny's career is the potential for him to play alongside his father, LeBron James, a scenario that would be unprecedented in NBA history. While no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, such a milestone would add another rich layer to the James family legacy. Other sports have seen such moments, with Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. playing together in Major League Baseball and Gordie Howe playing with his sons in the WHA and NHL, but it remains a dream for NBA fans.
Bronny's humility and focus on the game have impressed his coaches and teammates alike. Johnson's comments reflect the young guard's mentality: "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." Bronny's grounded approach and eagerness to improve could be key factors in his eventual success in the NBA.
As the Lakers continue to work on developing Bronny's game, the future looks promising for the young guard. With the right guidance and dedication, Bronny James could very well become a standout player for the Lakers and a significant figure in the next generation of NBA stars.