The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James, has been met with skepticism by some who believe nepotism played a role. However, former NBA player Iman Shumpert, who won a championship alongside LeBron with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has a different perspective. In a recent interview, Shumpert expressed his support for Bronny James, emphasizing his ability to facilitate and elevate his teammates, similar to Lonzo Ball.
“It’s a smart decision. The kid can play basketball and utilize his strengths. A lot of teams look good on paper, but that doesn’t always translate in the game. They might stack their roster and still lose by 30 points in the first round. We don’t have time for that. Bronny isn’t that kind of player.”
“Despite Lonzo’s ups and downs, he plays a team-oriented game and gets others involved. He makes players better, and Bronny excels in that area. He stays in rhythm without disrupting others.”
“He doesn’t need many dribbles or touches to be effective. His game is efficient, and as he gets more experience in key decision-making moments, especially when the stakes are high, we’ll see him improve quickly.”
Shumpert believes that the Lakers made a smart move and compares Bronny’s potential impact to that of Lonzo Ball, highlighting their shared qualities as unselfish players who excel within a team system. Shumpert’s comparison draws attention to Bronny’s ability to contribute without dominating the ball.
Lonzo Ball entered the NBA with significant hype as the second overall pick by the Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. Despite high expectations, Ball faced challenges during his rookie season, particularly with his shooting. He averaged 10.2 points per game on 36% shooting from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. However, he showcased his all-around abilities by contributing 7.2 assists, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game in 34.2 minutes per outing.
Similarly, Bronny James has faced scrutiny over his offensive performance. In his NBA preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bronny scored 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting in 16 minutes of play. Despite his shooting struggles, he made a notable impact on defense, recording 3 blocks, 1 assist, and 1 rebound. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Bronny’s defensive potential.
While Lonzo was a top draft pick with immediate expectations to transform the Lakers, Bronny was selected near the end of the second round. Shumpert acknowledges the difference in draft positions but emphasizes that both players faced intense pressure in Los Angeles
Shumpert highlights that rookies often experience growing pains and that Bronny should be afforded the same patience as any other young player. Bronny’s commitment to team play aligns with the Lakers’ needs, especially as they aim to build a cohesive unit around LeBron James in his later career stages. His ability to integrate into the team’s system and his defensive instincts could make him a valuable role player as he continues to develop his offensive skills.
The Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James may have been influenced by LeBron’s presence, but Shumpert believes that Bronny’s skill set justifies the pick. His comparison to Lonzo Ball underscores the importance of unselfish play and the ability to make teammates better—qualities that are invaluable in the NBA.
While it’s too early to predict Bronny’s trajectory, the support from a seasoned player like Iman Shumpert suggests that he has the tools to succeed. As Bronny navigates his rookie season, the focus will be on his growth and adaptation to the professional level. With guidance from his father and the Lakers’ coaching staff, Bronny has the opportunity to carve out his own path and make a meaningful impact in the league.
Only time will tell if Shumpert’s assessment proves accurate, but for now, Bronny James is poised to learn from one of the greatest players in NBA history while forging his own identity on the court.
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