Bronny James Shows Promise Amid Challenges in NBA Summer League
Bronny James, the highly-touted young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, wrapped up his stint in the NBA Summer League with a mixed but promising performance. Emerging from the shadow of his illustrious father, LeBron James, Bronny’s journey has been closely monitored by fans and critics alike.
In his final two games, Bronny James showcased his scoring ability, tallying 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This marked a significant improvement from his earlier struggles, particularly with his three-point shooting, where he managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets after an initial 0-of-15 drought over the first four games. These flashes of brilliance indicate his potential to adapt and evolve at the professional level.
Bronny's overall performance in the Summer League was a tale of ups and downs. Across his games in San Francisco and Las Vegas, he initially found it challenging to find his rhythm, shooting a cumulative 7 for 31. Despite this, the Lakers’ coaching staff remains optimistic about his future. Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, remarked, "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."
Standing at 6-foot-2, Bronny has primarily played as a shooting guard. However, the Lakers are considering developing him into a combo guard, a role that demands versatility. Johnson believes in Bronny’s capability to adapt, "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)."
Despite the challenges, including questions about his ballhandling and need for a consistent perimeter shot, Bronny has shown resilience and a strong work ethic. Johnson highlighted Bronny’s attitude, stating, "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 journey to the NBA has not been without its hurdles. Last summer, he experienced a harrowing cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. This medical emergency put his career in jeopardy, but his recovery and return to the court is a testament to his determination and resilience.
Drafted 55th overall by the Lakers, Bronny declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during his sole season at USC. While these numbers might not jump off the page, they provided enough glimpses of potential for the Lakers to invest in his development.
The Lakers are likely to utilize the G League as a platform to hone Bronny’s skills further, allowing him to gain valuable experience and adjust to the rigors of professional basketball. His performance in games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers has demonstrated his ability to compete at this level, and regular play in the G League could be instrumental in his growth.
Historically, no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously. If Bronny continues to develop and earns his place on the Lakers' roster, it might set the stage for a historic moment in sports, akin to the 1990 and 1991 seasons when Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners, or when Gordie Howe played with his sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.
Bronny James' path to the NBA is uniquely challenging and filled with the pressure of high expectations. Yet, with the guidance of his coaches and the promise shown in recent games, the young guard has an opportunity not just to carve out his niche in the league but to potentially make history alongside his father.