Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James is experiencing a stark contrast between an NBA player and a G League player. His numbers are considerably different from those of South Bay and Los Angeles. However, despite his struggles when he laces up with the Lakers, head coach JJ Redick remains optimistic. As for Bronny’s statistics, they remain unimpressive.
Lakers Rookie’s Shooting Struggles Shine Unwanted Spotlight
LA Lakers Rookie Bronny James Can’t Hit Shots with the Big Boys
James Jr. has improved considerably in the G League over the last handful of games with South Bay. In one game against the Portland Trail Blazers affiliate last week, the Rip City Remix, Bronny scored 31 points—a career-high—accompanied by two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. It was by far his best game yet in South Bay’s season, which is currently at 2-7. Bronny’s development there has been on display, and Redick continues to applaud the progress the younger James is making.
Unfortunately, when Bronny receives the call-up to join the Lakers ranks, his play is nowhere near what he produces in the G League, if he sees any minutes at all. Bronny has appeared in just 13 of LA’s 45 games this season. He scores less than a point per game (0.3) in the 3.4 minutes he averages, usually late fourth-quarter garbage minutes. In fact, he doesn’t average more than one point on any of the significant stats: rebounds, assists, or steals. In three minutes, how much are you expected to do? That’s a fair point, but another glaring stat only further emphasizes Bronny’s struggles on the NBA level.
Bronny is only shooting 6.3% from the field—a stark contrast from the 36.6% in seven games played for South Bay. The rest of his G League stats are much more respectable, too: 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. In his 13 NBA games, Bronny has shot 1-16 from the field, including 0-3 from three. His best chance so far to drain some baskets came in the 15 minutes Redick gave him in the Lakers 118-14 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night. That’s the most minutes he’s played all season, and non-garbage minutes, mind you. Still, Bronny was unable to score a single point, although he did notch three rebounds and an assist.
Still Too Early? Or Legitimate Early Signs?
What does all of this say about Bronny as a professional basketball player? It’s hard to take a stand on that, given he’s played virtually no meaningful NBA minutes. His G League development shows promising signs, but his production there hasn’t translated further or beyond. His window of opportunity against Philadelphia failed to produce anything noteworthy, and it’s unclear whether Redick will open that window again anytime soon.
The Lakers have two matchups remaining this week against the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors. South Bay has two of their own on Wednesday and Friday. Whether Bronny stays with the Lakers on their road trip or returns home is uncertain. Nevertheless, Bronny has to find his form sooner or later, and in the limited time he is awarded. Is it still too early to cast him aside?
