Bronny James: From Struggles to Promise in NBA Summer League
Bronny James, a young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has recently shown promising signs in the NBA Summer League. Despite a challenging start, James ended the series on a high note, showcasing potential that has his coaches and fans excited for his future development.
During the NBA Summer League, James wrapped up his final two games scoring 25 points on an impressive 10-of-21 shooting. His performance included converting 3 out of 8 three-point attempts, a notable improvement after missing all 15 of his three-point attempts in his first four games. This shift highlighted his capacity to adapt and improve, traits that are critical for success at the professional level.
Initially, James struggled through the Summer League games held in San Francisco and Las Vegas, shooting just 7 for 31 overall. However, his perseverance paid off as he began to find his footing on the court. The Lakers, who picked him as the 55th overall in the NBA draft, have been keen on observing his development closely.
"I think right now he's more of a (shooting guard), but I think he could be a combo-ish," said Dane Johnson, the Lakers' Summer League coach. "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)."
Standing at 6-foot-2, James primarily played the shooting guard position during the Summer League. However, the Lakers are considering grooming him into a combo guard, leveraging his ability to quickly grasp new concepts on both offense and defense. His capacity to adapt and his willingness to learn have been cited as key factors in his potential transformation.
James also demonstrated his ability to compete against high-caliber teams, delivering noteworthy performances against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his growth, there are concerns regarding his ballhandling skills and the need for a more consistent perimeter shot. These areas will likely be focal points in his development moving forward.
"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," Johnson said. "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."
Indeed, confidence and experience will be crucial for James, who declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his lone college season at USC. Last summer, he faced a significant challenge when he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California, leading to surgery for a congenital heart defect. This adversity, however, has not dampened his resolve to succeed.
The Lakers are likely to leverage the G League for James' development, allowing him to gain valuable playing time and work on the aspects of his game that need refinement. This approach aligns with the team's long-term vision of his growth and the potential he holds.
"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 added.
Historically, no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously. However, James' journey draws parallels to other sports dynasties, such as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who played together in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, and Gordie Howe, who played with his sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.
As Bronny James continues to hone his skills and develop his game, the basketball world watches with anticipation. His journey is emblematic of determination and resilience, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he strives to carve out his path in the NBA. The Lakers and their supporters remain hopeful that James will rise to the challenge and fulfill the promise he has shown on the court.