Bronny James Shows Strides in NBA Summer League
Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, showed noteworthy improvement during the NBA Summer League, setting the stage for his development in the professional basketball landscape. Across his final two games, James demonstrated a glimpse of his potential, finishing with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting.
This performance was an encouraging sign, particularly in his three-point shooting. After a difficult start—missing all 15 of his attempts from beyond the arc over the first four games—James managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets in his final outings. His overall Summer League stint in San Francisco and Las Vegas may have had its struggles, as he shot just 7 for 31 initially, but these concluding efforts highlight his ability to adapt and improve.
Selected as the 55th pick in the NBA draft, the 6-foot-2 guard has been primarily positioned as a shooting guard. Lakers' Summer League coach Dane Johnson sees potential for James to evolve into a more versatile role. "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 commented.
His agility to learn and adapt has not gone unnoticed. "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 added, painting a clear picture of James' developmental pathway.
During games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, James revealed his competitive edge, though concerns remain regarding his ballhandling ability and the need for a more consistent perimeter shot. These are areas that will likely see focused attention as the Lakers consider utilizing the G League to foster his growth and refinement.
The path to the NBA has not been without its challenges for James. Last summer, during a workout at the University of Southern California, he suffered cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect, leading to surgery. Despite this daunting obstacle, James declared for the NBA draft after a solid college season at USC where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Balancing the weight of expectations and personal aspirations, James continues to show resilience and determination on the court. "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 observed.
The league has yet to see a father-and-son duo play simultaneously. If Bronny succeeds at the professional level, he could make history alongside his father, LeBron James, an eventuality that would be momentous for both the NBA and sports history. While comparisons with other sports linger—including Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. in Major League Baseball, and Gordie Howe's play with his sons in ice hockey—Bronny's journey remains distinctly his own.
As the younger James progresses, his focus will be on improving his skills and earning his place on the Lakers roster. The steps he is taking now, bolstered by his performances and grounded by his work ethic, indicate a promising trajectory in the NBA.