Bronny James Shows Promise and Challenges in Summer League
Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been a subject of considerable interest and scrutiny this summer. Standing at 6-foot-2 and primarily playing the shooting guard position, Bronny was the 55th pick in the NBA draft by the Lakers. His journey through the NBA Summer League has had its highs and lows, showcasing both his potential and areas for improvement.
During the Summer League games, Bronny concluded his final two games with an impressive display, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This improvement was significant, considering his earlier struggles. In particular, his three-point shooting saw a marked turnaround; after missing all 15 of his attempts in the first four games, he managed to convert 3 of 8 in the final two.
However, the road was far from smooth. Throughout his games in San Francisco and Las Vegas, Bronny initially struggled mightily. He shot a mere 7 for 31 overall in his initial appearances. Lakers Summer League coach, Dane Johnson, noted the challenges but also saw potential. "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," said Johnson.
Bronny's potential has prompted the Lakers to consider developing him into a combo guard. While he's primarily been utilized as a shooting guard, the coaching staff sees attributes that could make him effective in a more versatile role. "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)," noted Johnson.
Besides his shooting inconsistencies, there are also concerns about his ballhandling abilities and his need to develop a more consistent perimeter shot. Despite these areas that require improvement, Bronny has demonstrated he can compete at the professional level, particularly in games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. This ability to stay level-headed and focus on the game has been one of his strengths, indicated by Johnson's remarks, "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 basketball journey has not been without its challenges off the court. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. This medical scare could have derailed many young athletes, but Bronny returned to continue pursuing his basketball dreams.
His time in college at USC was also a period of growth. Averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season, Bronny declared for the NBA draft, eager to take his next step in professional basketball. The Lakers, recognizing the need for further development, are likely to utilize the G League to hone Bronny's skills and adjust to the rigors of an NBA career.
Looking ahead, the strategic development of Bronny James is not just about immediate performance but also about positioning him for a sustainable career in the NBA. If successful, he and his father, LeBron James, could make history. While no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, such milestones have been reached in other sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. notably played together in 1990 and 1991 with the Seattle Mariners, and Gordie Howe played with his sons, Marty and Mark, in the WHA and NHL.
The journey of Bronny James is one of potential and perseverance. As he continues to develop, the basketball world watches with bated breath, hoping to witness the rise of another star in the James family. With hard work, guidance from the Lakers' coaching staff, and support from his illustrious father, Bronny has every opportunity to carve out his own legacy in the NBA.