The story is yet to be written for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James.
The son of LeBron James, Bronny was drafted in the second round by his father’s team in the 2024 NBA Draft out of USC. The father-son narrative is certainly a wholesome one and something millions of eyeballs will be glued to in a real contest once the duo takes the floor together.
Battling the normal freshman woes — along with a significant health issue — the younger James opted to enter the NBA Draft instead of staying in college and developing more conventionally. Through the first four games of his professional career, it appears as if James would’ve benefitted from playing a lower level of competition.
Here are his stats through four Summer League games with the Lakers:
- 4 PTS, 2 REBS, 2 ASTS
- 8 PTS, 5 REBS, 2 STLS
- 2 PTS, 3 REBS
- 3 PTS, 5 REBS, 3 ASTS, 3 BLKS, 2 STLS
The shooting numbers are even more alarming. James has converted on only 7-of-31 field-goal attempts (22.6 percent). He’s also shot 15 three-point attempts and has not made one to date (0-of-15).
There are two ways to look at this. On one hand, you feel for the kid. There’s surely a ton of pressure on him considering his surname. Bronny does appear to have some decent physical tools. At times, he’s looked like a capable defender. There are athletic traits that cater to him becoming a potentially very good defensive player.
On the other hand, he’s not ready for the NBA despite locking in a guaranteed 4-year deal worth $7.89 million. The word ‘nepotism’ will follow the younger James until he’s able to prove himself on the court. This is certainly not the start he nor the Lakers wanted to see. There’s likely no conceivable scenario in which he helps the Lakers contend this year.
