Bronnie James was not anticipated to be on the identical stage as his father, but when the Lakers develop him effectively, if all the pieces goes effectively, he may grow to be a stable NBA participant.
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronnie James to No. fifty fifth general within the 2024 NBA Draft, it shortly grew to become clear that the transfer was made simply to appease his father, LeBron. Bronney was proficient sufficient to play Division I basketball in school, however his NBA viability has lengthy been questioned.
Nonetheless, after present process cardiac arrest in 2023, younger James bouncing off, a high-level G-League participant, and discovering his diploma of NBA success shouldn’t be from the realm of risk.
One of many authentic All-Stars outlined how the Lakers can benefit from Bronnie.
Each time Bronnie performs together with her father, whatever the consequence, NBA media is swept away by the insanity surrounding one of many sport’s extra distinctive tales. Nevertheless, in his 16 appearances he solely averages 4 minutes, not the most effective place to develop in Los Angeles.
However with the G League South Bay Lakers, Bronnie shines and exhibits enchancment. In 5 regular-season video games, he averages 22.6 factors, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a pair of.2 steals. He is additionally taking pictures 39% from the 3-point vary.
“He is taking part in 40 minutes an evening,” Kenyon Martin stated. Gil’s Enviornment A podcast about Bronnie’s success within the G League.
“Take each shot you need to take, Bronnie, there is no restrict. That is what he was doing in school and it was the identical so let him do it now. He is the playoffs. I’ll elevate it.”
James averages solely 33 minutes as an alternative of 40, however Martin offers a good level. In South Bay, he’s positioned ready to succeed, getting each contact he can hope for.
Many second-round picks fall on the roadside once they go to the G-League, however Bronnie’s surname offers him a singular alternative to remain on the radar, even when he is not taking part in an NBA sport. He isn’t signed a regular contract, so if the Lakers want him, he might be a playoff issue, however I feel Martin ought to spend as a lot time as attainable within the G League. It is there.
“The G-League season is shorter than the NBA season, so when his season is over, I will elevate him, however let him keep till then,” Martin continued.
“There is a plan. When the group does not have a plan, it is a cemetery for a lot of, however he has an NBA contract, he does not have a two-way contract, he will not get misplaced.”
James has the bodily instruments and measurement to grow to be a reliable NBA participant, particularly on the defensive aspect of the ball.
He has a excessive basketball IQ and a superb passing intuition, however his photographs require some work – particularly towards giant defenders. He’s additionally very gross, but when the Lakers deal with him like a undertaking as an alternative of sideshow allure, he may probably seem in rotation subsequent season.
