Bronny James Adjusting to NBA Life, Eyes Combo Guard Role
Bronny James, the promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has navigated a journey marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny concluded his final two games in the NBA Summer League with a commendable 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. His performance showed glimpses of his potential, converting three out of eight three-point attempts after a rocky start that saw him miss all 15 of his initial tries over the first four games.
Throughout the Summer League runs in San Francisco and Las Vegas, Bronny initially struggled, shooting just 7-for-31 overall. However, his recent improvement left a positive impression on Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson. "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," noted Johnson.
Drafted as the 55th pick by the Lakers, Bronny James stands at 6-foot-2 and has predominantly played as a shooting guard. Nevertheless, the Lakers are evaluating his potential development into a combo guard, a transition reflecting his adaptability on the court. Johnson expressed optimism about Bronny’s versatility, saying, "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)." The hope is that with further development, Bronny might bring added dimensions to his game.
Bronny’s ability to compete at the professional level was evident during games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his demonstrated skills, concerns remain, particularly regarding his ballhandling ability and the need to develop a more consistent perimeter shot. Such areas will likely be focal points as the Lakers contemplate using the G League for his further development, a route that may provide the necessary stage for honing his craft.
Off the court, Bronny's journey has been equally challenging. Last summer, the young athlete suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and subsequently underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite these health challenges, Bronny 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 betting on his resilience and potential. Johnson’s insights into Bronny’s character are telling: "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."
Bronny’s ambition fits into a broader dream that has captivated basketball fans – the possibility of a father-and-son duo playing together in the NBA. While no such pair has ever graced the court simultaneously in the NBA, history provides a precedent in other sports. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. shared the baseball field with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, while hockey icon Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.
Bronny's story remains one of growth, from a young player overcoming early shooting woes and health scares, to a prospective NBA talent working diligently under the watchful eyes of the Lakers’ coaching staff. His journey is far from over, and each game serves as a stepping stone toward a promising future, potentially alongside his iconic father. The basketball world watches with bated breath to see how this unique tale unfolds.