Los Angeles Lakers' young guard, Bronny James, has certainly garnered attention during the NBA Summer League, and with good reason. As the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny comes into the league with immense expectations. His recent performances have shown glimpses of promise, yet also highlighted areas needing improvement.
Summer League Performance
Bronny James capped off his Summer League appearances with commendable showings in his final two games, where he posted 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This marked a noticeable improvement from his earlier games, where he initially struggled to find his rhythm. Over the course of these games, his three-point shooting started off rocky, converting none of his 15 attempts in the first four games. However, he managed to hit 3 of his 8 attempts in the subsequent two games, exhibiting resilience and an ability to adjust under pressure.
According to the 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."
Challenges and Potential
Earning the 55th pick in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny's journey in professional basketball is just beginning. Standing at 6-foot-2, he has primarily been playing the shooting guard position. Coach Johnson sees the potential for Bronny to evolve into a combo guard, citing his ability to quickly grasp plays and defensive coverages. "I think right now he's more of a (shooting guard), but I think he could be a combo-ish," Johnson explained, adding that Bronny "picks up stuff really well."
Despite showing potential, concerns about Bronny's ballhandling ability and the need to develop a more consistent perimeter shot have surfaced. His overall shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage during the Summer League indicate there's room for growth. Yet, his adaptability and coachability have been promising signs of his potential to progress.
"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 Johnson.
Facing Adversity
Bronny's journey has not been devoid of challenges. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California, leading to surgery for a congenital heart defect. Demonstrating resilience, 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. This health scare put into perspective the physical and mental endurance required for a young athlete to bounce back and pursue their dreams.
Path to Development
The Lakers are likely to utilize the G League for Bronny's development. This path will allow him to gain necessary game experience and further hone his skills. Transitioning to the professional level requires more than just natural talent; it demands rigorous training, learning, and adaptability. Bronny's performances against teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers have illustrated his ability to compete, but the additional experience will be crucial for his long-term success.
A Family Legacy
The idea of Bronny James potentially playing alongside his father, LeBron James, has captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, though parallels can be drawn from other sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. accomplished this feat in baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991. Similarly, the legendary Gordie Howe played with his sons, Marty and Mark, in both the WHA and NHL.
Although Bronny has big shoes to fill, his journey with the Lakers will be closely monitored as he continues to make strides towards becoming a more well-rounded player. The guidance from seasoned professionals, coupled with his inherent potential, could chart a path similar to the remarkable family legacy he is part of.