The Los Angeles Lakers are been criticized for selecting Bronny James, son of star LeBron James, 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Now, father and son have the unique opportunity to play together on the same team.
Although he has had some struggles during his play in his arrival to the NBA, Bronny showed his potential since playing for the Syerra Canyon High School basketball team, in a game against the Crespi Carmelites, James blew up the stands.
Both his father LeBron and mother Savannah were out of their seats celebrating the incredible dunks he had in the game. LeBron had a celebration true to his style.
Bronny has been heavily criticized for his performance as a Lakers rookie, but it’s clear that his father has confidence in him and is giving him his full support.
And it’s not just LeBron who has confidence in his future; Michael Cooper also sees Bronny as a player who could become a key player for the Lakers.
“When you’re that good, people try to find little knicks and knacks about you, but this is not about nepotism at all. It’s about drafting a young player that could definitely help the Lakers in the long run, and he happens to have the name James.”
Austin Reaves, number 15 of the Lakers, also came out in defense of his new teammate, showing his support and expectations of growth in the team.
“I also can’t wait to see Bronny grow. Obviously, he gets a bad rap because of who his dad is. Everybody’s going to hold him to the standards of his dad when the kid just wants to play and have fun and create his own path, so I can’t wait to get around him and see him grow and ultimately make a career for himself in his own way.”
Bronny played four games in the Summer League with the Lakers after being selected, averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 25.1 minutes per game.
He showed significant improvement in his last two games, scoring 12 points in his third game and 13 points in his fourth, along with five rebounds, three assists and a block.
The 19-year-old James will likely need time in the G-League to continue to develop, but don’t be surprised if he’s on the bench next to his father on opening night.
The Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024-25 NBA season opener, and Bronny could get his first chance to see action that night.
