Lakers 2024-2025 Player Preview: Bronny James
This summer, the Lakers made a move that was thoroughly covered by drafting Bronny James. The 6’2 rookie guard out of USC has come into the NBA with otherworldy expectations from the public.
Why the 55th pick of the draft would be so heavily scrutinized is quite clear, as Bronny is LeBron James’ firstborn son. For reference, the three previous players picked with the 55th pick were Isaiah Wong, Gui Santos, and Aaron Wiggins.
Bronny James has been in the headlines since he was a young child. Most notably, as of late, Bronny made news when he suffered cardiac arrest while practicing at USC last season.
Luckily, he survived and has recovered nicely, playing through Summer League as well as a full preseason slate. However, his play through those games has thrust him into some less favorable headlines.
How you view Bronny’s game depends on your awareness of who he is as a basketball player right now and whether your expectations are reasonable.
2024-25 Expectations for Bronny James
In the Lakers’ final preseason game against the Warriors, which ended up being a blowout of massive proportions, Bronny James had by far his best showing as a Laker. James recorded 17/4/1 with three steals and a block.
Going back to expectations, that showing, while it should be celebrated, should not become Bronny’s benchmark. For one, he probably won’t play many games with the main squad to begin with.
Bronny James found his confidence tonight 📈
17 PTS
4 REB
3 STL
1 BLK pic.twitter.com/hDAlaMcmVl— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 19, 2024
Expect to see Bronny James play the majority of his minutes with the South Bay Lakers this season. Hopefully, the reps at the lower level will only increase his confidence.
With new head coach JJ Redick placing a higher emphasis on the importance of the G-League, Bronny may be entering the program at an opportune time.
With his size and skillset, Bronny is more likely on a path to carve out a role as a 3 & D point of attack defender similar to Davion Mitchell or Jevon Carter. However, James is undoubtedly a project that is likely two to three years away from providing solid NBA-level contributions.
Stats won’t necessarily be the most important measure through his first season. People should be looking for an increase in confidence and comfort among NBA-caliber athletes.
The team was able to give the James family their moment against the Timberwolves by putting LeBron and Bronny on the court together.
He’ll have arguably the greatest player of all time rooting for him and offering a helping hand whenever needed this year. Let’s hope he can tune out all the outside noise.
