Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James is a lightning rod for controversial takes. Sharing a bloodline, let alone a name, with arguably the greatest player of all-time is calamitous enough. The only other NBA players or hopefuls who could have shared his reality are Michael Jordan’s sons, Jeffery and Marcus. However, neither of Jordan’s sons decided to continue their basketball journey after college.
With that being said, James would’ve been in uncharted territory regardless. The fact that he struggled mightily in his freshman year at USC is what has everyone so riled up though.
The media hype surrounding a player with his background was par for the course. Indeed, even if James was an anonymous face, the fact that he entered the NBA draft a year after a near death experience would’ve been newsworthy. Yet, teams fighting to draft a prospect who put up 4.8 points per game in college was ludicrous. The idea that he was in play for the Lakers’ No. 17 pick defied logic.
Bronny James’s Career Games Alter His Career Trajectory
Since being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, James has received more media coverage than many established NBA stars. That led to resentment from fans and perhaps even some teammates. Nonetheless, it seems like most people want to see him prove himself worthy of the hoopla.
Like many young players, he’s had moments, however infrequently. In Summer League, preseason, and even the regular season. The Lakers’ decision to assign him to their G League affiliate felt long overdue though.
The G League is the NBA’s developmental league. What better place for James to train than in a competitive environment?
His spot minutes against NBA teams were illuminating, whether he was missing an open three or walling off an All-Star with his low post defense. Yet, playing a full game gives him more freedom. It grants him the opportunity to find out who he really is.
Who Is Bronny James, Really?
Entering the draft, many had him pegged as a 3-and-D wing. There were a couple of former NBA players who wondered whether he was more of a point guard. Indeed, up to his G League assignment, James could be switching between the styles, assessing which one he felt most comfortable with.
Within the last week, he’s found an answer to his primary question. His back-to-back career nights have shown that he’s at his best as an attacking lead guard. There have been definitive improvements to his overall game.
16 PTS 👏 4 REB 👏 2 AST @lakers rookie Bronny James posted a new CAREER-HIGH to help the @southbaylakers defeat the Clippers! pic.twitter.com/LUGIhcynDH
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 8, 2024
His touch is softer, yes. He’s also demonstrated knowledge of when to switch gears. This has enabled him to saunter into the lane time after time, compromising his opponent’s defense.
Bronny James dropped an @nbagleague career-high 30 PTS tonight! pic.twitter.com/UAcBT6Hhvi
— NBA (@NBA) December 13, 2024
On top of him becoming sharper on offense, he continues to prove he’s an NBA-level defender at the very least. The competition might be lighter but elite defense in the G League usually translates to the NBA.
To that point, his offensive development is obviously important. It’s difficult to give steady minutes to players who are non-factors at that end. However, James’s pathway to earning a rotation spot will likely rely on his abilities as a defensive stopper. Relative to other NBA guards, he’s more proficient at that end than the other.
Will He Break Into The Lakers’ Rotation?
The Lakers are facing adversity in the form a near .500 record. Their stars and head coach appear to be equally frustrated and dismayed by their play.
They’re still fighting for a playoff spot until further notice, perhaps putting the pinch on James’s opportunities. Yet, D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistency and Austin Reaves’s health could lead to James getting on the court. In fact, with Reaves sidelined, James was on the court for a modest 2.5 minutes during L.A’s narrow victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 8.
Most players won’t heat up in three minutes and James didn’t either.
Nonetheless, those are his opportunities to showcase himself and force the coaching staff to make tough decisions about his playing time. He’s unlikely to usurp either Russell or Reaves in the pecking order. Still, he could eventually leapfrog Gabe Vincent, who’s averaging just 3.8 points in 18.9 minutes per game this season.
