Bright Future for Bronny James: Lakers' Young Guard Shows Promise in Summer League
Bronny James, the talented young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has all the makings of a future NBA star. Standing at 6-foot-2 and primarily playing the shooting guard position, James has shown glimpses of his potential during the NBA Summer League.
In his final two games of the Summer League, James concluded impressively, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. His three-point shooting, which was initially a struggle, saw significant improvement as he managed to convert three of eight attempts after previously missing all 15 of his shots in the first four games. Through these games in San Francisco and Las Vegas, James initially struggled, shooting just 7 for 31 overall.
James' performance has not gone unnoticed by the Lakers' coaching staff, who recognize his potential despite early hurdles. "I think right now he's more of a shooting guard," remarked Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach. "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."
Selected as the 55th pick in the NBA draft, James' journey is just beginning. His early experiences in the Summer League illustrate both his promise and areas that require further development, such as ballhandling and consistent perimeter shooting. "He had two pretty good games last two," Johnson noted. "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."
James' path to the NBA has not been without challenges. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite this, 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.
The Lakers are considering leveraging the G League for James' development, a move that could provide him with the necessary time and experience to refine his skills. The team is also considering developing him into a combo guard, a versatile role that would allow him to utilize his quick learning ability and adaptability. "In general, he doesn't let any of that stuff get to him," Johnson added. "He just wants to play basketball and be on a team. He's a good kid. He's listening. He's trying to learn."
Ahead of him lies the challenge of continuing to prove his ability to compete at the professional level. James has already demonstrated promising signs during games against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his ability to hold his own against experienced players.
No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, a milestone that could see history rewritten if James continues on his upward trajectory. In the world of sports, such historic moments are rare but deliciously memorable, like when Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together with the Seattle Mariners or when Gordie Howe took to the ice with his sons, Marty and Mark, in professional hockey.
As the Lakers look to the future, the development of Bronny James will be one of the exciting narratives to follow. The road ahead may be filled with hard work and challenges, but for a player who has already displayed resilience and dedication, the sky's the limit.