Impressive Summer League Finish for Bronny James
Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, showed substantial improvement during his stint in the NBA Summer League, concluding his final two games with a commendable 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. This solid performance is a marked improvement, specifically in his three-point shooting, where he managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets after a challenging start, missing all 15 of his attempts in the first four games.
Throughout his Summer League games in San Francisco and Las Vegas, James initially struggled, shooting just 7 for 31 overall. However, he found his rhythm towards the end, showcasing glimpses of the talent that propelled him to become the Lakers' 55th pick in the NBA draft. Standing at 6-foot-2, James has been primarily playing the shooting guard position, but the Lakers are considering developing him into a combo guard.
"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)." Johnson emphasized that James is still learning and adapting, which is a positive sign for his potential versatility on the court.
James' performance during the Summer League, particularly against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level. However, his journey is far from complete. Despite his promising shooting and scoring capabilities, there are concerns about his ballhandling ability and the need to develop a more consistent perimeter shot.
Coach Johnson remains optimistic about James' future development. "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 said, highlighting the importance of patience and continued practice for the young player.
James' journey to the NBA is further complicated by his health issues. 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, James declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC.
The Lakers are likely to use the G League for James' development, providing him with ample opportunities to gain experience and refine his skills. Observers note the unique potential for history to be made if James eventually takes the court alongside his father, NBA superstar LeBron James. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, although such occurrences have happened in other sports. In MLB, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together in 1990 and 1991 with the Seattle Mariners, while Gordie Howe played with his sons, Marty and Mark, in the WHA and NHL.
As James continues to adapt and develop, his focus remains on his passion for the game and being a positive presence on the team. "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," Coach Johnson praised James' attitude and work ethic, which bodes well for his future in the league.
The Lakers' confidence in James is evident, and with time, the organization hopes that he can become a valuable contributor to their roster. The upcoming months will be crucial as James works on his game, particularly his ballhandling and perimeter shooting, under the guidance of the Lakers' coaching staff. If the Summer League was any indication, Bronny James' potential is considerable, and basketball fans will undoubtedly be watching his progress with great interest.