Bronny James has already lived by the sort of rookie season most gamers by no means experience-playing beneath the microscope of L.A., carrying his father’s final identify, and sharing a locker room with LeBron Jameshimself. Now, heading into his second yr with the Lakers, the 20-year-old guard is not simply adjusting-he’s asserting himself.
He is proven flashes of what he can convey to this group: perimeter protection, courtroom imaginative and prescient, and a quiet confidence that contrasts the circus typically swirling round him. However as Bronny grows into his recreation, the shadow of LeBron’s unsure future looms bigger than ever.
LeBron James displays on his twenty second yr in NBA
12 months Two for Bronny, Final 12 months for LeBron?
The Lakers’ early playoff exit and ongoing roster questions have reignited hypothesis about LeBron’s plans. At 40, he is nonetheless producing at an elite stage, however the grind is actual. “I am undecided what number of extra seasons I’ve acquired,” LeBron mentioned again in April (through The Athletic). Since then, he is stayed quiet-but the clock is ticking, and the Lakers are ready.
In the meantime, Bronny’s quietly placing in work. He averaged modest numbers in his rookie year-just 5.2 factors and 1.8 assists per recreation-but the entrance workplace sees long-term upside. “He is progressing the precise manner,” mentioned Lakers GM Rob Pelinka(ESPN). “He is coachable, robust, and getting higher each week.”
And he is beginning to look extra snug within the purple and gold. His efficiency throughout the Summer time League and early preseason runs has drawn optimistic attention-not only for who his dad is, however for the way he is beginning to learn the ground and make sensible selections beneath stress.
With LeBron probably getting into his last season in L.A. (or the league completely), Bronny’s development may develop into greater than only a feel-good story-it is likely to be important. The Lakers are betting on inside improvement, and Bronny’s progress could assist outline the group’s course post-LeBron.
This is not only a legacy second anymore. It is a potential handoff.
