Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been turning heads in the NBA Summer League, showcasing both his potential and areas that need improvement. Standing at 6-foot-2, James has primarily played the shooting guard position, but the Lakers have aspirations of developing him into a versatile combo guard.
During his stint in the Summer League, James concluded his final two games in impressive fashion, scoring 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This was a marked improvement considering his rocky start, where he struggled by shooting just 7 for 31 through the games in San Francisco and Las Vegas. James' three-point shooting saw similar fluctuations; after missing all 15 of his attempts in the first four games, he managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets in the last two.
James' journey has not been without challenges. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California, which necessitated surgery for a congenital heart defect. His resilience and determination to return to form are testament to his character and dedication to the game.
"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," said Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach. "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."
The Lakers drafted James as the 55th pick, and they are keen on using the G League as a developmental pathway for the young guard. The organization sees potential in James, and according to Johnson, he has a keen ability to pick up plays, coverages, and defensive schemes quickly. "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 . . . so I think he could potentially be (a point guard)," Johnson noted. Their strategy will focus on addressing concerns about his ballhandling skills and enhancing his consistency with perimeter shooting.
James' collegiate statistics—averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his single season at USC—may not seem extraordinary, but they underscore his role as a team player willing to adapt and grow. "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.
Bronny James demonstrated his competitive edge in games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, showing that he can hold his own at the professional level. The prospect of James evolving into a reliable combo guard presents an intriguing narrative for the Lakers, who are invested in his growth. With the right guidance and developmental focus, James has the potential to carve out a meaningful role in the NBA.
The Lakers' ambitions for Bronny James come with the added allure of a historical milestone. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game together, a feat that the James family could achieve if both Bronny and his father, LeBron James, share the court. Such a moment would be a significant chapter not only in their personal history but also in the annals of the NBA. While the MLB saw Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. play together with the Seattle Mariners, and Gordie Howe achieved it with his sons Marty and Mark in hockey, the NBA still awaits its first such occurrence.
Bronny James' journey in professional basketball is just beginning, and while there are hurdles to overcome, his performance in the Summer League and his resilience in the face of health challenges bode well for his future. The coming months and years will be crucial for his development, and with the Lakers' support, he could very well emerge as a key player in the league.