Bronny James is in his second NBA season, seeing an increase in opportunity — and confidence — after being taken by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Last year was mostly about Bronny making history by playing next to his father, LeBron James, in NBA action while developing in the G League.
But the strides he took in Year 1 were greater than many expected of him, and he has made a genuine impact on the team in his second year. This has been especially true in the early part of the season while L.A. was shorthanded at guard. With LeBron, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent all missing games, Bronny has played in 11 of the Lakers’ first 17 contests.
And perhaps no one has enjoyed watching Bronny develop and get these opportunities more than LeBron. The 23-year superstar has loved watching Bronny develop beyond just being a proud father, via the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash:
“It’s been great. You know, not only as a father but just as a student of the game. To see someone use what he was able to do last year in the G League, use that to get more comfortable, then go into Summer League and be even more comfortable. And when his time has been called this year, just continue to feel good about it. I think in those games where Luka was out or AR was out or Marcus was out, I think we had back-to-back games at home. I forgot who we played at home, but then we were in Portland, I was super proud of him, and of the maturation process to not only play well at home, but then to have a back-to-back in a tough environment in Portland and do it again. That’s what the NBA is all about.”
It’s certainly incredible for LeBron to watch his son start to find his rhythm at the NBA level. In the meantime, though, he’s had to balance being Bronny’s teammate and leader with being his dad. He spoke about that balance and what he wants to see from his son:
“When we’re in practice and in games and things of that nature, it’s the leadership. I’m one of the guys and one of the leaders of the team. But we have our side time where I can, you know, tell him about what I’ve seen or whatever. But I just want him to walk his own journey, and I can give him the blueprint and I can give him some of the things that I’ve seen, but I want him to walk through the fire as well.”
For both players, balancing their personal and work relationship is surely tricky. But both are also impacting the Lakers in positive ways, both on and off the court. And that’s a major part of why the Lakers opted to draft Bronny in 2024, knowing that he can be a positive figure regardless of where he is within the organization.
LeBron James liking what new additions are bringing
Many people weren’t sure what to expect from the Lakers this season, but so far they have been one of the best teams in the NBA. And that’s despite LeBron James missing the first 14 games and several other key players dealing with injuries as well.
A big reason for that has been the play of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have been the best backcourt in the NBA so far.
Another reason though has been the Lakers’ depth as they have been able to manage regardless of who is in and out of the lineup. The team improved that depth this past offseason when they signed Deandre Ayton, Smart and Jake LaRavia.
So far, all three have been exceptional at playing their roles, and James is among those taking notice.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
