Bronny James Jr. is gearing up for his second professional basketball game with the Los Angeles Lakers, following his debut against the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic. Despite feeling nervous in his first game, James managed to score four points on 2-for-9 shooting, along with two assists, two rebounds, and a steal in 22 minutes of play.
As the 19-year-old prepares for his upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors’ summer league team, he reflected on his nerves and the support he has received from his famous father, LeBron James. LeBron, who is currently in Las Vegas preparing for the Paris Olympics, emphasized the importance of Bronny’s growth and development during the summer league, regardless of his performance on the court.
Bronny’s coach, Dane Johnson, expressed the team’s commitment to providing him with valuable playing opportunities to enhance his skills and adapt to the NBA game. Having only played one season of college basketball at Southern California, Bronny is eager to gain more experience and improve his game under the guidance of his coaches and teammates.
In addition to Bronny’s journey, fellow Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 pick in the draft, also showcased his skills in the California Classic, scoring 12 points despite shooting 3-for-12. Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Miami Heat in their final California Classic game before moving on to the Las Vegas segment of the summer league, where they will play against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
The summer league serves as a vital platform for young players like Bronny and Knecht to hone their talents, adapt to the professional level, and prepare for the upcoming NBA season. As they continue to grow and learn from their experiences on the court, the Lakers remain focused on their development and progress in the competitive basketball landscape.