Playoff basketball is a different entity and getting that first experience is something players do not forget. For the Los Angeles Lakers, sophomore guard Bronny James was thrust into his first postseason action in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets due to the team’s injuries in the backcourt.
The former USC Trojan made a first half appearance, playing four minutes and sharing the floor with his father, LeBron James. Despite all of LeBron’s accomplishments, playing postseason minutes with his son ranks at the top for him.
“I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game,” LeBron said after taking a 1-0 series lead.
“That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career. It was just so cool to be out there with him and his brother, sister and mom in the building, and his grandma. That’s just insane. My mom got to watch her son and grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.”
It is hard to prepare for the environment that comes with playing in the postseason when the stakes are highest, so the four-time champion acknowledged Bronny needed to experience it for himself, regardless of any wisdom he could offer.
“We all prepared this week, including Bronny,” LeBron continued. “Just like everybody in their first playoff game, you’re gonna be nervous. You try to prepare for it, you try to sleep as much as you can the night before. Do all the things that you do, same routine and everything.
“But when you step on that floor… I remember my first (playoff game) in 2006 going against Washington, our first home game being back in the playoffs for the first time in a minute, the Cavs, and I was nervous as hell. As soon as I got out on the floor I was just super nervous. But once you get the jitters out, you get that first game under your belt, you kind of know what to expect. He’ll be better going into the next time he gets his number called.”
Even though he only played a few minutes, Bronny getting that experience is valuable, regardless of the stats. If he hopes to stick in the NBA, he needs to be impactful in the playoffs and hopefully, confidence will build through time.
Lakers trusted Bronny James
Bronny received more opportunities this season by appearing in 42 games and he showed glimpses of improvement from last year. Given how shorthanded the Lakers are currently, JJ Redick is looking for players to step up in the playoffs.
Down two ball-handlers, Redick has turned to Bronny at times for spot minutes and he stated how much he trusts him in a postseason setting.
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