Bronny James Shines in Final NBA Summer League Games
Bronny James, the young and promising guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, showcased his potential during the NBA Summer League, concluding his final two games with a noteworthy performance. James tallied 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, a significant improvement from his initial struggles on the court.
Improvement in Shooting
James' progress was particularly evident in his three-point shooting. After missing all 15 of his attempts in the first four games, he managed to convert 3 of his 8 shots from beyond the arc in his subsequent outings. This improvement helped silence critics who were concerned about his perimeter shooting ability.
Early Struggles
Throughout his Summer League games in San Francisco and Las Vegas, James found it challenging to find his rhythm. He shot just 7 for 31 overall in the initial phases, raising questions about his readiness for the professional level. However, the latter part of the Summer League provided a glimpse of his capacity to adjust and learn quickly.
Potential as a Combo Guard
James, standing at 6-foot-2, has primarily been playing the shooting guard position. Nonetheless, the Lakers are contemplating 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. 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)," said Dane Johnson, the Lakers Summer League coach.
Impressive Learning Ability
The Lakers coach noted James' impressive ability to learn and adapt. "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.
Ball Handling and Development
One area where James needs to improve is his ballhandling ability. Addressing this and developing a more consistent perimeter shot will be crucial for his growth. To aid his development, the Lakers are likely to use the G League, providing James with ample opportunities to hone his skills in a competitive environment.
Recovering from Cardiac Arrest
James' journey has not been without hardships. Last summer, he suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. His resilience and determination to return to the court have been inspiring. He declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC.
Father-Son Duo Hope
Chosen as the 55th pick in the NBA draft by the Lakers, James joins a storied franchise with high hopes for his future. An interesting narrative to watch is whether Bronny will someday share the court with his legendary father, LeBron James. No father-and-son duo has ever played in an NBA game simultaneously, adding another layer of anticipation to his career.
Positive Attitude and Team Spirit
Johnson also praised Bronny's attitude and team spirit. "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," he remarked, highlighting the young guard's focus and dedication.
Historical Parallels
While the NBA waits to see if a father-and-son duo will take the court together, other sports have seen such occurrences. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together in 1990 and 1991 with the Seattle Mariners. Gordie Howe also played with his sons, Marty and Mark, in the WHA and NHL. These precedents add a layer of excitement and potential historical significance to Bronny James' career.
As the Lakers continue to develop Bronny into a versatile and reliable player, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. His journey is one of promise, challenges, and the enduring hope of making history alongside his father. With hard work and dedication, Bronny James has the potential to carve out his own legacy in the NBA.