Bronny James' Summer League Journey with the Lakers: From Struggles to Progress
Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has had a rollercoaster ride during the NBA Summer League. Known as the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny has faced immense expectations and pressures as he steps onto the professional stage. His performance over the summer, highlighted by notable ups and downs, provides a glimpse into his potential and areas needing improvement.
Over the course of his final two games in the NBA Summer League, Bronny showcased his scoring ability, putting up 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This was a marked improvement from his initial struggles, where he managed just 7-for-31 shooting overall during his games in San Francisco and Las Vegas. In particular, his three-point shooting became a focus, as he converted 3 of 8 attempts in the final games after a dismal 0-for-15 start from beyond the arc in the first four matches.
Drafted as the 55th pick by the Lakers, the 6-foot-2 guard is primarily known for his role as a shooting guard. However, the Lakers are considering developing him into a combo guard. Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson emphasized the potential in Bronny’s versatility. "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 shared.
Johnson also highlighted the importance of Bronny's recent performances in building confidence and aiding his developmental trajectory. "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, emphasizing the blend of encouragement and realism necessary for his growth.
The journey has not been without challenges. Bronny’s ballhandling ability and consistency in perimeter shooting are areas flagged for improvement. These concerns are underscored by the high-pressure environment in which young talents like Bronny operate, testing their resolve and adaptability. Yet, Johnson observed Bronny's resilience and willingness to learn. "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," Johnson said.
Bronny’s path to this point has also been marked by a significant health scare. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and subsequently underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite this setback, Bronny declared for the NBA draft, having averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC.
The Lakers are likely to leverage the G League to further Bronny’s development. This step could provide him with the necessary playing time and experience to refine his game. Key attributes such as decision-making, ballhandling, and shooting consistency can be polished in an environment conducive to growth. Moreover, the G League represents an arena where Bronny can carve out his identity and style, albeit under less scrutinizing eyes compared to the main league.
For Bronny, and indeed for the Lakers, the emphasis remains on the long-term potential. The conversations around the possibility of a father-and-son duo taking the court simultaneously are rife with intrigue, particularly given LeBron James' standing as an NBA legend. Historical precedents in other sports, such as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. in baseball, and Gordie Howe with his sons Marty and Mark in hockey, add a layer of fascination to this narrative.
While the journey is fraught with hurdles, Bronny James continues to stride forward with a blend of inherited talent and personal grit. Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as Bronny navigates his path, hopeful that he can fulfill the potential that flickers brightly despite the challenges. His progress in the Summer League has laid a foundation, and now, continuous improvement and dedication will be key in transforming promise into performance.