Bronny James is gaining increased recognition following a strong performance during the Summer League and an effective stint in the G-League. After a challenging rookie season with limited <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA playing time, the former USG guard appears ready to advance his skills, catching the close attention of the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff. His progress has sparked optimism for a more significant role in his second year as he continues refining his game.
In 11 games with South Bay in the G-League, Bronny James averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. During the Las Vegas Summer League, he contributed 14.3 points and 3.8 assists per game, showing notable improvement in both confidence and efficiency. Head coach JJ Redick is considering expanding his responsibilities based on this progress.
McMillan observed Bronny’s growth firsthand, stating,
“He came out into this summer league and played every game this summer,”
and added,
You could see the confidence. He was much more relaxed than he was last year, and everybody would have been nervous as could be last season. His shot was never broken, but the confidence; you could see him knocking down those shots, getting to the basket. Defensively, we wanted to challenge him to pick up the ball,”
highlighting both his improved poise and defensive efforts.
Areas of Improvement: Conditioning Remains a Focus
Despite showing greater maturity on the court, Bronny James still faces challenges with his conditioning. This aspect remains a priority for both him and the Lakers as he prepares for the demands of his second NBA season. Head coach JJ Redick emphasizes that reaching elite fitness levels is essential for Bronny to unlock his full potential and secure more significant playing time this season.
Rookie Season Challenges Serve as Motivation
Bronny’s rookie campaign was marked by limited minutes and difficult lessons, including a tough game against the Philadelphia 76ers where Tyrese Maxey’s 43-point performance exposed some of his weaknesses. In that game, Bronny struggled, going 0-for-5 from the field with three turnovers in just 15 minutes, an experience he now recognizes as a critical learning moment.
Reflecting on this tough experience, Bronny James said,
“It was definitely like, ‘OK, this is where I stand right now, I need to just be better,’”
followed by,
I need to get in the gym, get extra shots up, work on my body, work on my IQ, watch film, stuff like that with the coaches. So, it was definitely an eye-opener for me.”
These words reveal his dedication to improving his skills, physical strength, and understanding of the game as he works toward a greater role with the Lakers.
Looking Ahead: Greater Opportunities May Be Coming
As Bronny James enters his second season, his focus on conditioning, basketball IQ, and overall performance positions him to contribute more meaningfully to the Lakers’ efforts. The coaching staff’s close monitoring and support suggest that, if he continues this upward trajectory, he could see increased minutes and responsibilities on the court, marking a significant step in his professional development.