Bronny James Shows Promise During NBA Summer League Despite Initial Struggles
Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, had an eventful NBA Summer League that showcased both his potential and areas for improvement. James, standing at 6-foot-2 and primarily playing the shooting guard position, ended his final two games on a high note, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. These performances were a necessary boost of confidence after a challenging start.
In his three-point shooting, James managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets in his last two games, a significant improvement considering he missed all 15 of his attempts in his first four games. Initially, the Summer League was a tough battleground for James, where he struggled with a dismal shooting record of just 7 for 31 overall in games held in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Selected as the 55th pick in the NBA draft by the Lakers, there are high hopes for Bronny James' development. Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, believes James has the potential to evolve into a combo guard, highlighting his ability to quickly grasp new plays and coverages. “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 remarked.
Despite the early challenges, Johnson praised James' performance in his last two games, which could be pivotal for his growth in the upcoming summer practices. “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.
Off the court, James faced a significant health scare last summer when he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California. He underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect, a hurdle that makes his current achievements even more commendable. Against the backdrop of this personal challenge, James remained focused and resilient.
During his sole college season at USC, James declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. These numbers reflect a player with considerable growth potential, especially if his ballhandling skills and perimeter shooting can be honed. The Lakers are likely to utilize their G League affiliate to aid in his development, providing James with the essential experience and training to bridge the gap to the professional level.
Johnson, speaking on James' dedication and attitude, added, “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.” This sentiment underscores James' approach to his career, one that is grounded in a willingness to learn and improve.
The basketball world is watching closely, not just because of his father’s legacy, but due to the intrigue around his own potential. The Lakers’ investment in his development, coupled with his perseverance, hints at a player who could make a significant impact in the future. For now, Los Angeles is focused on helping Bronny James transition from an intriguing prospect to a reliable player capable of competing at the highest level of the sport.
As Bronny James navigates the early stages of his professional career, the path ahead is clear: continuous improvement, adaptability, and resilience will be his guiding principles. The journey may be long, but with the support from his team and his own dedication, Bronny James is charting a course that could eventually see him emerge as a standout talent in the NBA.