August 9th 2024.
The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines when they drafted Bronny James to fulfill the wish of their star player, LeBron James, to play alongside his son. However, things have taken a turn as the Lakers have now announced their plan to primarily use Bronny in the G League, the NBA's developmental league. As reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, this decision is due to Bronny's performance in the NBA Summer League, which has not been up to par. According to Buha, he is still far from being ready to play at the level required for a spot in the rotation.
Bronny was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA Draft with the 55th pick, a move that has sparked controversy. With LeBron's impending free agency and his previous comments about wanting to play with his son, it was clear that the Lakers had to draft Bronny in order to keep LeBron on the team. Even James' agent, Rich Paul, was actively discouraging other teams from picking Bronny and insisting on a guaranteed contract instead of a two-way deal.
Critics began to doubt Bronny's abilities after his freshman year at the University of Southern California, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. These doubts were only amplified after his performance in the Summer League, where he scored 25 points in the last two games he played. However, his overall performance was lackluster, as he shot 7-for-31 from the field and 0-for-15 from 3-point range in the three games prior to his offensive outburst. He also missed one game due to some swelling in his left knee.
When asked about Bronny, Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson acknowledged his two strong games and expressed his belief that these experiences will only benefit Bronny in the long run. Johnson also emphasized the importance of confidence and knowing that he can compete at this level. However, he also acknowledged that it will take time and practice for Bronny to reach his full potential.
It's clear that the Lakers have high hopes for Bronny, but they also want to ensure that he is fully prepared before taking him to the big stage. With his lackluster performance in the Summer League and the doubts from critics, it seems that the G League will provide the perfect opportunity for Bronny to develop and improve his skills. Only time will tell if he will follow in his father's footsteps and become a dominant force in the NBA.
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