Bronny James received an opportunity from Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick with Marcus Smart sidelined. And he opted to play him next to his father, LeBron James, in two consecutive games.
When the father-son duo took the floor on Friday night, LeBron found Bronny open for a left wing 3-pointer. Which was the first father-son assist in NBA history and the 23rd year veteran is not taking for granted.
“Well, I mean, just not taking it for granted and just being in the moment of us being on the floor once again,” LeBron said following their 116-99 win. “That’s two games back-to-back, him playing meaningful minutes and him also making another play. Obviously, they were making a run in that second quarter and they did make a run in that second quarter.
“But, just for me, I just always make the right play. I got doubled and he was able to make the fake pass to the corner and then knock down the three. So, definitely a cool moment for us and also for our family.”
It is great to see a first time in a historical context, especially in a Lakers jersey. For Bronny, he is a 21-year-old eager to become a rotation player for L.A. and to see him get a chance to prove himself was a welcome sight.
Obviously, he remains a ways away from becoming a mainstay in Redick’s rotation, but making a positive impact in spot minutes is the first step. When LeBron found him open, there was no hesitation and looked confident taking that shot.
Dating back to his rookie season, Bronny did not look confident on an NBA court and he needed time in South Bay to build that up. He looks like a completely different player by simply playing with confidence and Redick clearly possesses some level of trust to put him in position to play in what was a close game.
LeBron James believes Bronny James belongs in NBA
Speculation surrounded the Lakers after they drafted Bronny James as many viewed it as a move to please LeBron James. As a second round pick, Bronny became the most talked about 55th pick ever and it must have been a lot to process.
There were flaws in his game, but he clearly had a desire and drive to become an NBA player. Up to this point, the former USC Trojan has put in work to round out his game and LeBron thinks his son belongs at the end of the day.
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