Bronny James is slated to split time between the Los Angeles Lakers and its team G League affiliate South Bay Lakers after an upcoming five-game road trip, according to ESPN. James, who opened up the season creating history with his father, played just 3 minutes before sitting for the rest of the game.
The drafting of Bronny James has been a topic of controversy throughout the league, with critics citing nepotism as a cause of James even getting drafted.
We will now take a look at two possible effects of the former USC Trojans guard playing stints in South Bay.
Potential On The Court Development For Bronny James
The 55th overall NBA draft pick was a four-star prospect as a leader for California high school powerhouse Sierra Canyon. During his senior year, James averaged 14.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.
This play earned him a spot at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit, two events regarded as holding some of the best high school players in the country.
James was set to play as a USC Trojan before suffering a cardiac arrest during practice.
Although James was able to come back on the court almost five months later, the incident negatively impacted his play and projection. James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists after 25 games under his belt for USC.
James then announced that he would enter the NBA draft, and was selected by the Lakers in the second round with the 55th pick. Since then, James has not made much noise on the hardwood in the NBA.
Getting runs in South Bay can positively impact James’ production and confidence. Playing in the G League has given multiple active NBA players a chance to develop and enhance their skills.
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One of the most notable G league call-ups in a situation similar to James is Golden State Warriors Gary Payton II. Son of the legendary defensive guard, Payton bounced back and forth between the G League and the NBA from 2016 to 2021.
Payton found his big break on the Raptors 905, being named the 2021 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year.
After signing two 10-day contracts with the Golden State Warriors, Payton was brought on for a full-time contract and had an important defensive role in Golden State’s 2022 championship run.
Being in South Bay can smooth James’ transition into professional play, further evolving his game. As a high schooler, James was a defensive facilitator with the IQ to make the right basketball play. Within time, James can adapt to the faster-paced NBA, and become more of an asset on the floor.
James is athletic, and his athleticism can only improve as he gains more NBA-style training. James can get more reps as a shooter as well, a skill that is a necessity for a guard in today’s NBA.
Eases Pressure Of Spotlight
As the son of LeBron James, the spotlight will never dim on you regardless if you are in the G League or not. However, the G League can help James focus solely on refining his skills without so much pressure and media attention.
Eyes will always be on James, but the lower expectations can give him more leeway to figure out his own game.
In his first preseason game with the Lakers, Bronny gave his personal feelings about stepping on an NBA court.
Every first game that I step on the next level, it’s always some butterflies in my stomach, but as soon as the ball tips and we go a couple times down, it all goes away.
Bronny James
South Bay can give James a chance to dim down the lights, albeit slightly, to come into his own as a professional player.
James first potential game for South Bay will be November 9th against the Salt Lake City Stars.