Bronny James finally made his highly anticipated NBA preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 124-107 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. However, the performance fell short of the fanfare surrounding it, particularly on the stat sheet. Bronny posted modest numbers, contributing just 2 points (1-6 FG, 0-1 3PT), 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 blocks in the game. While it is still very soon to judge Bronny’s NBA development or partnership with his father, LeBron James, we still learned three important points about the 19-year-old’s debut.
1. Bronny James Should Be A Defensive Specialist
Bronny James’ natural defensive instincts and athleticism make him well-suited to follow in the footsteps of a player like Tony Allen, who carved out a long NBA career as an elite defender. In today’s NBA, teams constantly searching for players who can effectively defend the league’s best wings and guards, Bronny could stand out as a rare talent. His ability to contest shots, cut off passing lanes, and use his leaping ability for blocks gives him the potential to be a defensive game-changer.
What sets Bronny apart is his knack for coming up with highlight-reel blocks, reminiscent of his father’s famous chase-down rejections. This ability to make momentum-shifting plays on defense not only gives him an edge but can also help him become a fan favorite.
As Bronny gains experience and continues to develop physically, his defense will likely become even more formidable. With improved strength and positioning, he could evolve into a defensive specialist capable of guarding three positions in the NBA.
2. Bronny Is A High-Volume Scorer Which Won’t Help His NBA Minutes
One of the main challenges Bronny faces is his scoring style, which relies heavily on volume shooting and we saw that in college with USC when he shot 36.6% from the field while averaging 4.8 points per game. He tends to need multiple shot attempts to find his rhythm and generate points (1-6 in NBA preseason debut), a style that can be difficult to maintain in the NBA, especially for a young player trying to earn minutes.
Established stars like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony succeeded with this approach, but they also had a rare ability to score efficiently in high-pressure situations. Bronny, still developing, won’t be afforded the same opportunities early in his career. To earn significant minutes, Bronny will need to adapt his game, focusing on efficient scoring opportunities rather than volume shooting.
Coaches won’t be able to rely on him to carry the offensive load in the way that stars do, and his scoring style may limit his impact on the game. Instead, Bronny could benefit from finding his spots within the flow of the offense and focusing on maximizing his opportunities.
3. Developing A Three-Point Shot Would Make Him A Capable Role Player
For Bronny to fully unlock his potential as a valuable role player with the Los Angeles Lakers, developing a reliable three-point shot will be essential. Given his natural defensive skills, adding a consistent perimeter jumper could make him a prototypical 3-and-D player, a highly sought-after archetype in today’s league.
If Bronny can knock down open threes, he’ll not only stretch the floor for his team but also complement his defensive ability, making him a two-way threat. No doubt, that could be an area where Bronny can improve since he only shot 26.7% from deep with USC. Having a three-point shot would allow him to seamlessly fit into any lineup, providing shooting, defense, and hustle—key qualities that help role players thrive in the NBA.
Moreover, with the intense scrutiny that comes from being LeBron James’ son, Bronny seems to remain focused on improving his game, demonstrating humility and coachability. His ability to remain grounded despite the media circus around him suggests that he’s committed to honing his skills. With time, if he can master the art of the catch-and-shoot three-pointer and move well without the ball, Bronny has the potential to become a reliable 3-and-D guard.
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