Bronny James Aims High in Second NBA Season with Lakers
On July 13, 2024, Bronny James found himself in a suite overlooking the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, a scene emblematic of his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. As the young player surveyed the surroundings, he noted the iconic sights, including the Bellagio fountains and Shadow Creek Golf Course, during the NBA Summer League. This event, while a chance to showcase his talent, has elicited mixed feelings from James.
The Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks shortly before his reflective moment, where James scored eight points but struggled with his shooting, finishing 2-for-8 overall and 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. The game concluded with a loss for the Lakers, but he rebounded in the following matchup, contributing 14 points in a 94-81 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. “My head is all over the place,” he commented to ESPN, expressing his discomfort with the distractions of the Summer League atmosphere.
James, 20, is navigating the early stages of his professional career with a determination to establish himself beyond being the son of NBA legend LeBron James. Selected as the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he made history last season as part of the first father-son duo to play in the league. Despite this milestone, he remains modest about his debut, revealing to ESPN that he has not watched the game tape of his initial appearance, where he played just three minutes.
His focus for the upcoming season is clear: James aims to earn a spot in coach JJ Redick’s rotation, a challenge compounded by the health issues he faced two years ago when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout. The looming question is whether he can overcome the physical hurdles that accompany his past health scare, including lingering effects that have impacted his conditioning and stamina.
Having only played 181 minutes across 27 games last season, James has faced scrutiny regarding his selection. Critics have suggested that his draft choice was driven more by his lineage than his performance. Nevertheless, he views these challenges as opportunities for growth. “It was definitely an eye-opener for me,” he said, reflecting on a particularly tough game against the Philadelphia 76ers where he struggled to make an impact.
James’ development has been a collaborative effort with his coaches, particularly Zach Guthrie, who has been instrumental in refining his skills with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate. Guthrie and James established a pact to ensure that he would have the ball in his hands and take on a leadership role, while also emphasizing defensive responsibilities. “You’re the point guard, we’re doing this,” Guthrie told James, committing to nurturing his growth.
As the G League season progressed, James displayed marked improvement, averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in his final games, which boosted his confidence. His performance drew attention from Redick, who is eager to see James reach his potential while acknowledging the physical demands of the NBA.
James’ journey is not solely focused on basketball skills; it is also about resilience. Following his cardiac arrest, he has developed a strong appreciation for the game and the challenges that come with it. Teammate Gabe Vincent noted how overcoming such adversity has instilled a unique fighting spirit in him. “It puts a chip on your shoulder,” Vincent remarked, highlighting the mental fortitude that James has cultivated.
Despite his progress, James continues to confront physical challenges, including susceptibility to illness, which can impact his training regimen. Lakers athletic trainer Mike Mancias confirmed that recovery from such health issues can complicate an athlete’s conditioning. “It’s very normal for even elite athletes to experience this,” Mancias stated, emphasizing the need for patience and care in James’ recovery.
Looking ahead, the primary goal for James remains to achieve elite fitness, a requirement for making a significant impact on the court. Redick indicated that the level of competition in the NBA necessitates exceptional stamina and skill, comparing James to fellow players like Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell, who embody the relentless energy needed to succeed.
As James continues to hone his skills, he is also influenced by his father’s commitment to physical care and longevity in the sport. “I see a lot of guys that don’t want to get in an ice bath after practice,” he noted, recognizing the importance of maintaining his health. His training regimen includes rigorous conditioning exercises and a focused approach to his diet and recovery.
The support from teammates has been vital for James as he navigates this transitional phase. Vincent emphasized the importance of camaraderie and competition in the Lakers’ locker room, fostering an environment where players push each other to excel.
In his first summer league game, James showcased his growth by making a standout play that highlighted his improved athleticism. The confidence he has gained since last season is palpable, as he acknowledges, “My confidence level is, for sure, taking a leap.”
As Bronny James approaches his second season, the aspirations he holds are ambitious yet realistic. With a commitment to developing his game and overcoming past challenges, he is determined to carve out a prominent role within the Lakers and the NBA as a whole.
