Bronny James’ Rough NBA Start: Is the Hype Fading?
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, entered the professional basketball scene with high expectations. However, his first few outings in the NBA preseason have left many fans and analysts concerned. After struggling during his one year at USC, where he averaged just 4.8 points per game on 36.6% shooting, Bronny’s preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers has shown similar issues. In his first three games, Bronny has yet to live up to the hype surrounding his arrival in the league.
Bronny’s Preseason Woes: A Rocky Beginning
In just under 12 minutes per game, Bronny is averaging less than a point, having made only one of his 11 field goal attempts. While he did share a special moment on the court with his father, LeBron James, it’s clear that Bronny is struggling to adjust to the professional level. Despite the excitement surrounding his preseason debut, Bronny has shown that he’s not quite NBA-ready.
Scoring Struggles: Missing the Mark
One of the biggest concerns is Bronny’s inability to score efficiently. His role is expected to evolve into a 3-and-D player, where he contributes with both defense and three-point shooting. However, Bronny has been inconsistent from deep. He’s 0-4 from beyond the arc in the preseason, following a similar pattern to his college career where he shot just 16-of-60 from three-point range. His poor shooting continues to be a major issue for the Lakers.
Beyond the arc, Bronny has also struggled at the rim. Despite boasting a 40.5-inch vertical leap, his 6-foot-1.5 frame has made it difficult for him to finish over taller defenders. His one successful shot near the basket came in garbage time when the Lakers were down by 20 points. Even his playmaking has been underwhelming, with just one assist and five turnovers across 36 minutes.
Defensive Glimpses: Some Hope Amidst the Struggles
Although Bronny’s offense has been lackluster, there have been flashes of promise on the defensive end. He’s recorded three blocks so far, showcasing why comparisons to strong defenders like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have been made. Bronny has shown good footwork and the ability to stay in front of his man, which caught the attention of Lakers star Anthony Davis, who praised Bronny for his defensive mindset.
“He’s tough. Obviously, he’s defensive-minded, some great blocks. And the physicality he gets over screens. He’s good with his hands with deflections and steals,” Davis said during a postgame interview. Despite his offensive shortcomings, Bronny’s defense could be a bright spot in his future development.
Lost on the Court: Finding His Place
Aside from his struggles in the traditional stats, Bronny has seemed largely lost on the court. The Lakers have been outscored by 40 points during his 36 minutes of play, giving him the worst plus/minus of any player in the NBA preseason so far. While this stat isn’t entirely his fault—he has been sharing the court with other young players who haven’t contributed much—Bronny has still been a factor in the team’s struggles.
Preseason games are designed to help young players make mistakes and learn, but the regular season will be a different story. It’s likely that Bronny will spend much of his time in the G League, where he can continue to develop without the pressure of high-stakes NBA games.
The Future: Can Bronny Bounce Back?
While Bronny’s preseason performance has been disappointing, it’s important to remember that he’s still a talented prospect. He received a first-round grade coming out of high school and performed well during draft combine drills. His struggles in the preseason don’t necessarily mean he won’t succeed in the NBA. However, it’s clear that Bronny needs more time to develop before he can contribute meaningfully to the Lakers.
In conclusion, Bronny James’ NBA journey is off to a shaky start, but it’s far too early to write him off. With time, patience, and the right development, Bronny could still fulfill the potential that so many have seen in him. But for now, the experiment is still very much a work in progress.
