When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it’s fair to say there were mixed reactions. Many fans, especially those of father LeBron James Sr., have long been waiting for the day that Jr. hit the league. Yet, his underwhelming showing at USC left others scratching their heads about the move.
Lakers’ Executive Sparks Up Bronny James Defense
In a recent interview with Petros And Money, Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss addressed the situation. Defending the team’s decisions, Buss spoke to the rookie’s character, while admitting he has to prove himself:
“Yeah, I mean, again, we have to let the kid have an opportunity to play and prove that he should be in a Laker uniform. And everything that we’ve seen from him and about him and his work ethic, just some of the things he’s had to overcome being the son of a big star. He works hard, he’s dedicated. He really wants to do this. And if we can have a roster of players with that same mentality, then I think the sky is the limit.”
James’s claim to fame is certainly an extension of his father’s successful NBA career.
No matter what Lakers head coach JJ Redick says to the contrary, he was at least partly given the opportunity to play for L.A. specifically because of his father’s stature. Sugarcoating this or denying the obvious doesn’t do the franchise or James a service. Those disingenuous conjectures will continually jut out from under an avalanche of news, as nobody is as gullible enough to believe there’s no connection between the franchise’s fixation on drafting him and their desire to re-sign his father.
However, James does have the potential to break into an NBA rotation. Furthermore, at just 19 years old, he has time to figure it out. His intangibles will get him there if he does, as he’s displayed plenty of heart since suffering cardiac arrest.
It may not be in his rookie season, though it’s likely he shares the court with his dad in at least a ceremonial manner, but one day.
Defense Wins Contracts
For now, his calling card is defense, as his tenacity and technique are superb.
Considering that players like Matisse Thybulle have made names for themselves with their defense without offering much offensively, it’s possible he’ll have a long career just by homing in on this ability to lockdown opposing perimeter players. James still needs to improve his body, cutting down the baby fat and adding lean muscle. Only experience will allow him to properly anticipate shiftier player’s movements on a consistent basis. Nonetheless, he’s ahead of the curve defensively, giving him a legitimate shot at being more than a name.
What’s His True Position?
Offensively, the problem is more of a question. Is he a point guard or shooting guard?
If it’s the former, as his 6-foot-2 frame would suggest, James has plenty of work to do in terms of his ball-handling. Not every lead guard has to be able to take over as a scorer. However, they have to be able to handle ball pressure when inbounding and break down the defense to generate scoring opportunities. At this point, James can’t be counted on to do either at an NBA-level.
Yet, he’s long been a naturally gifted passer (it’s literally in his DNA). As a result, teams will want to put the ball in his hands. Ultimately, if or until James improves as a ball-handler, he could still be a secondary playmaker. This is what increases the importance of him being a reliable outside threat though. If playing off-ball, he’ll have to be efficient in order to force the opposing defense keep their integrity.
