The mounting injuries to the Lakers have meant an increased opportunity for Bronny James to prove himself beyond being in his father’s shadow. LeBron James recently shed light on his eldest son’s development in the league, guiding him as best he can while allowing him to carve his own path.
LeBron on Bronny’s NBA Development: ‘Walk Through the Fire’
While discussing the Lakers’ season to this point on “Mind the Game,” co-host and Hall of Famer Steve Nash asked LeBron what he has thought of Bronny’s development. James replied:
“It’s been great. You know, not only as a father, but just as a student of the game. To see someone kind of use what he was able to do last year in the G-League, use that, 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 … for a young player, the more and more time that you get, the better you get, the more and more of the nuances you get. You get better with the speed, you get better with the strength, you get better with everything.”
James was particularly proud of how Bronny handled a back-to-back stretch against the Miami Heat (Nov. 2) and Portland Trail Blazers (Nov. 3). In that game against Portland, James Jr. had five points but tied a career-high six assists.
“I was just super proud of him, of the maturation process of him, to not only play well at home and then have a back-to-back in a tough environment in Portland and then do it again. That’s what the NBA is all about. Not only ‘What have you done for me lately? Can you do a back-to-back?’ So that was pretty cool.”
LeBron’s Balancing Act
When Nash pondered how LeBron balances roles as a father and team leader, James acknowledged the “fine line” he walks in those regards.
“When we’re in practice and in games and things of that nature, you know, it’s the leadership. It’s, you know, me being I’m one of the guys and one of the leaders of the team. But we have our side time where I can tell him about what I’ve seen, what I saw.
“But I just want him to—he has 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. It’s going to be the best teacher for him for him to be able to go through these experiences and come out the best way he knows how. So, I mean, he loves the game and that’s what’s most important and he loves the work, you know, and there’s no substitution for hard work. So, you know, that’s what it comes down to.”
Bronny May Have Golden Opportunity vs. Mavericks
Though Bronny’s stats do not jump off the page—1.9 points and 1.7 assists across 11 games this season—he has shown solid potential on both sides of the ball, hustling as an on-ball defender while sharing the wealth offensively. Stepping up amid injuries will only help his confidence and comfortability in the league, a chance he may have tonight ahead of a marquee matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
While Deandre Ayton has been upgraded to probable following a knee contusion, Marcus Smart is listed as doubtful due to back spasms, marking his third absence in LA’s 17 games. With the Lakers’ guard depth relatively thin, that could open the door for JJ Redick to call Bronny’s number. As he’s done throughout his young career, James Jr. will need to maximize his opportunity if it comes tonight, living up to the “defensive menace” mentality he set out to have this season while making smart plays for himself and others.
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