Bronny James was the 55th overall pick in 2024 but he’s got a massive spotlight on him right now as the son of an NBA legend. But perhaps nobody was paying more attention than LeBron, whose reaction to Bronny’s first bucket (which came in the second quarter after a solid penetration to the rim) was captured live in front of the media.
“C’mon man that’s tough,” said LeBron.
LeBron’s reaction to Bronny’s 1st Summer League bucket:
"C'mon man that's tough.”
(via @NBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 6, 2024
James, 39, is witnessing his dream come true. After 20+ years in the NBA, he’s finally getting to play his son on the biggest stage in basketball. While Bronny’s readiness for the league is still in question, LeBron has been supportive of his son the whole way through and you can bet that he’ll review every play from his son’s first game.
Ahead of his summer league debut, many fans were hopeful for a statement game from James Jr. but, sadly, he had a pretty mediocre showing overall and finished the game with just points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 25% shooting.
James was actually pretty solid defensively but he had some mistakes early on that went viral on X. Just a few minutes into the first quarter, he got his ankles broken trying to defend a clean-looking stepback jumper.
Bronny already got his ankles broke, im crine
(@BonesGotBizzy) https://t.co/Tjka3tBM3w
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) July 6, 2024
Bronny’s first bucket came in the second quarter after a solid penetration to the rim for an easy layup. It’s clear he has solid fundamentals and that he does not lack confidence going to the rim.
Bronny's first #SummerLeague bucket ☑️ pic.twitter.com/eGzHvCUxrc
— ESPN (@espn) July 6, 2024
At the end of the first half, James finished with 2 points on 16% shooting and the reaction online was about what you’d expect from a reactionary fanbase.
this kid cost REAL talent a spot in the draft all because of his daddy being selfish
— F ᴸᵘᵏᵃ✨💫 (@FlukaTime) July 6, 2024
Nobody should be expecting greatness fromBronny, or any rookie, in their first summer league game and it’s hardly indicative of their talent. Besides, in the second half, Bronny settled the doubters by opening with a sweep step-back jumper to flash his potential from the mid-range.
Bronny shows off the step back midrange 🔥
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/kBXV7qQmER
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2024
From the looks of it, Bronny is a real, genuine NBA prospect and it seems he really has earned his place in the league. While he has not done anything outrageous on the court, James showed how he could help the Lakers: as a ball handler, defender, and finisher around the rim.
Bronny, who averaged 4.8 points per game at USC, still has a long way to go before he’s at a place where he’s satisfied with his game but he’s got plenty of time to develop his skills to become a valuable role-player in the league. Alongside LeBron and new head coach JJ Redick, Bronny will have a great support system to back him up and put him in a position to succeed.
Despite the modest showing today, the future looks bright for Bronny and he showed glimpses of what kind of player he can be at his absolute best. How long it will take to get there is anyone’s guess but the kid is a notoriously hard worker and that’s all he really needs to realize his potential on the court.
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