Bronny James’ Summer League Journey: Struggles and Promise in Equal Measure
Bronny James, the young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has had a journey in the NBA Summer League that was anything but smooth. As the son of basketball legend LeBron James, the weight of expectations has always been high. Yet, Bronny has shown that he is more than just a famous last name.
Following a rocky start, Bronny wrapped up his final two games of the Summer League with an impressive 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Such a performance highlighted his potential to contribute meaningfully on the court. For the first four games, Bronny’s shooting left much to be desired as he missed all 15 of his three-point attempts. However, he demonstrated resilience by converting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc in his final games. Initial struggles are often part of a rookie's journey, and Bronny’s ability to bounce back speaks volumes about his tenacity.
Bronny's shooting woes were evident during both the San Francisco and Las Vegas games, where he initially connected on just 7 of 31 field-goal attempts. Despite the slow start, his perseverance shone through. His draft position as the 55th pick by the Lakers might have been a surprise to some, but the organization sees a unique blend of potential and ambition in him.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Bronny has been primarily positioned as a shooting guard. The Lakers, however, are exploring the possibility of grooming him into a combo guard, given his knack for picking up strategic plays and defensive coverages quickly. "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.
Despite the early struggles and ongoing concerns about his ballhandling abilities and perimeter shooting consistency, Bronny has shown flashes of competing at a professional level, particularly in games against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson commented, "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."
Adding to his challenging journey, Bronny had to overcome a significant health scare just last summer. He suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California and required surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. This incident brought an unexpected hurdle to his path, making his current achievements even more commendable.
After averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his sole college season at USC, Bronny declared for the NBA draft. The Lakers are likely to leverage the G League to further his development, allowing him the necessary time and space to hone his skills without the immediate pressure of the NBA spotlight.
In the history of professional basketball, no father-and-son duo has ever taken to the NBA court simultaneously. The idea tantalizes fans, especially considering the precedent set in other sports. Notably, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, and Gordie Howe graced the ice alongside his sons, Marty and Mark, in the WHA and NHL.
Overall, Bronny James' journey is a narrative of resilience, learning, and transformation. He is, as Coach Johnson puts it, a good kid who is "listening" and "trying to learn." Whether Bronny eventually flourishes as a shooting guard or evolves into a combo guard, the Lakers seem committed to nurturing his development meticulously. And as he continues to grow and adapt, the basketball world watches with bated breath.