Bronny James Eyes Year Two Goals After Challenging Rookie Season

Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is setting ambitious goals for his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers after a challenging rookie season. On July 13, 2024, while looking out from a 27th-floor suite at the Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, he reflected on his journey and the upcoming opportunities during the NBA Summer League.

The Lakers’ summer league team faced off against the Dallas Mavericks, featuring top draft pick Cooper Flagg. In that match, James scored just eight points on 2-for-8 shooting, including a disappointing 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Despite a missed potential game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds, he rebounded in the subsequent game, contributing 14 points and two steals in a 94-81 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

James expressed mixed feelings about the summer league experience, stating, “My head is all over the place. There’s so much going on in Vegas. I personally don’t like summer league at all.” This sentiment contrasts sharply with his father, LeBron, who made time to watch his son’s games between performances at a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico and a power boating race in Monaco.

The younger James made headlines last season as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking the first time a father-son duo played in the NBA. Yet, he has avoided watching footage of his debut game, where he played three minutes in a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I just think that if you know me, I don’t really like the spotlight in big moments,” Bronny stated, highlighting his preference for a more low-key approach to his budding career.

Reflecting on his past year, James has faced the dual challenge of adjusting to the NBA while overcoming the lingering effects of a cardiac arrest sustained during a summer workout with the University of Southern California. His primary objective for this season is to secure a place in Coach JJ Redick‘s rotation, which entails surpassing several veteran players on the depth chart.

Despite being the most discussed No. 55 pick in NBA history, James played only 181 minutes across 27 games in his rookie season. Critics questioned the Lakers’ decision to draft him, suggesting it was an act of nepotism rather than a reflection of his ability. This scrutiny intensified following a challenging game on January 28 in Philadelphia, where he struggled to make an impact, finishing 0-for-5 with three turnovers.

James acknowledged the challenges he faced and viewed them as learning opportunities. “It was definitely an eye-opener for me,” he remarked. After a difficult stretch, he focused on improving his skills and conditioning, working closely with his coach in the G League, Zach Guthrie. Guthrie entrusted him with the lead guard role, emphasizing the importance of defensive performance to maintain his position on the team.

As the G League season progressed, James demonstrated significant improvement, averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in his final seven games. His resilience and determination to enhance his game have garnered the attention and support of his teammates, including Gabe Vincent, who noted that James’s unique experiences have given him a valuable perspective on the game.

“Having the game taken away from you at a younger age in the way he did… it puts a chip on your shoulder,” Vincent stated. This mentality has driven James to improve his physical conditioning, a critical requirement as he aims to secure a spot on the Lakers’ roster.

James’s recovery from his health scare is ongoing, and he has reported lingering symptoms that affect his overall fitness. He noted, “I get kind of sick easier now… I think it messed with my immune system a little bit.” Despite these challenges, Lakers athletic trainer Mike Mancias reassured that such experiences are common for elite athletes dealing with health issues.

For James, demonstrating his commitment to fitness is paramount. Coach Redick highlighted the importance of elite conditioning as a key factor in his development, suggesting that increased stamina would allow him to impact games on both ends of the court. Redick sees potential in James, comparing him to successful players like Davion Mitchell and T.J. McConnell.

As James continues to work diligently on his game, he maintains a positive outlook about his future. He has embraced the lessons learned from his father, understanding that maintaining longevity in the sport requires discipline and consistency. “I see a lot of guys that don’t want to get in an ice bath after practice or don’t want to get treatment,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices necessary for success.

During the summer league, James showcased his growth, earning praise for his defensive skills and ability to make plays. His performance in a recent game against the Pelicans, where he effectively defended the highly regarded prospect Jeremiah Fears, further demonstrated his potential as a contributor for the Lakers.

With the summer league serving as a stepping stone, Bronny James is evidently focused on achieving his goals for the upcoming NBA season. As he looks beyond the challenges of his rookie year, he remains committed to improving his game and making his mark in the league. The journey ahead is demanding, but James appears ready to embrace the competition and pursue his ambitions on the basketball court.