Bronny James: A Young Guard's Journey to NBA Prominence
Bronny James, a young and promising guard, has been creating waves in the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Recently showcasing his skills during the NBA Summer League, Bronny closed his final two games with an impressive 25 points, achieving 10-of-21 shooting. This stark improvement came after initial struggles where he managed just 7 for 31 overall in earlier games held in San Francisco and Las Vegas. In a notable development, Bronny converted three of his last eight three-point attempts after missing all 15 of his initial tries in the first four games.
Finding His Footing in the NBA
Despite being the 55th pick in the NBA draft, Bronny, who stands at 6-foot-2, has primarily been showcasing his skills as a shooting guard. His performance against teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers has demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level. Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson believes in Bronny's potential to evolve beyond his current role, 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)."
Bronny's journey has not been without its challenges. Last summer, while working out at the University of Southern California, he suffered a cardiac arrest and subsequently underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. The incident didn’t deter him; instead, he declared for the NBA draft after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his single college season at USC.
Areas of Improvement
Though his scoring bouts show promise, there are concerns about Bronny's ballhandling abilities and his need for a consistent perimeter shot. However, Johnson is optimistic, highlighting Bronny’s focused attitude and growth mindset. "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 commented.
The Lakers see potential in developing Bronny into a versatile combo guard. Presently, they are contemplating utilizing the G League to further hone his skills on the court. Bronny’s resilience and dedication have been evident throughout his gameplay. As Johnson noted, "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."
A Historic Dream
Moreover, there exists a broader dream and hope of seeing a father-and-son duo on the court simultaneously, something yet to happen in the NBA. Although Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. once played together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, and Gordie Howe skated alongside his sons Marty and Mark in both the WHA and NHL, the NBA is yet to witness such an occurrence.
In conclusion, Bronny James' journey with the Lakers is one punctuated by diligence, perseverance, and an evident potential for greatness. While he may bear a famous name, Bronny’s focus and dedication to carving his path in the NBA is unmistakable. His development in the G League, combined with the continued support and guidance from the Lakers' coaching staff, will be critical in his rise as a significant player in professional basketball.