Rising Star: Bronny James Shines in NBA Summer League Despite Early Struggles
Bronny James, emerging as a promising young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrated significant growth and resilience during the NBA Summer League. James, the 55th pick in the NBA draft, faced initial difficulties but gradually found his footing, concluding his final two games with an impressive 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting.
Despite his challenging start in the Summer League games held in San Francisco and Las Vegas, where he shot just 7 for 31 overall, James showcased his potential and adaptability. After missing all 15 of his three-point attempts in the first four games, James managed to convert 3 of 8 baskets in his last two outings, reflecting his ability to adjust and improve under pressure.
Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach, expressed optimism about James' future, saying, "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."
Development Path: From Shooting Guard to Combo Guard
Standing at 6-foot-2 and primarily playing the shooting guard position, the Lakers are exploring the potential to develop James into a combo guard. Johnson highlighted James' aptitude for learning and adapting quickly to new roles, stating, "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)."
While James has shown promising signs, there remain concerns about his ballhandling ability and the need to develop a more consistent perimeter shot. The Lakers are likely to utilize the G League for James' development, providing him with the necessary time and exposure to hone his skills further.
Overcoming Adversity: James' Journey Back from Cardiac Arrest
James' path to the NBA has not been without its hurdles. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Despite this daunting setback, 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.
Johnson recounted James' unwavering determination and positive attitude, saying, "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."
Family Legacy: Chasing History
While no father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, the prospect of Bronny James teaming up with his father, NBA superstar LeBron James, remains a tantalizing possibility for Lakers fans. The duo could emulate the feats of other famous father-son pairs in sports, like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who played together with the Seattle Mariners, and Gordie Howe, who played with his sons Marty and Mark in both the WHA and NHL.
Bronny James' journey is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and promising potential. As the Lakers focus on his development, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this rising star, hoping to witness history in the making.