Meeting Bronny James
LOS ANGELES — I caught up with Bronny James this week. An interview was set, but before it started, he mentioned to the Lakers’ PR team that he struggled to recall my name. While he recognized my writing about his childhood during his father’s tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he needed a refresher. Following a Lakers victory, I was invited to the locker room to reconnect before our chat the next day.
A Familiar Smile
When Bronny saw me, his face lit up with recognition, reminiscent of his younger days circling his friends on the court following a Cavs win. I recalled his polite demeanor, such as when his grandmother asked him to retrieve their luggage at the airport without hesitation. Even as a freshman at the University of Southern California, recovering from a serious health scare, he treated everyone with respect, engaging in conversation with “yes, sir” and “no, sir.”
Bronny’s Growth
However, the 20-year-old shooting guard in front of me is not the same player I saw just five months ago when he made history alongside his father, LeBron James, as the only father-son duo to appear in the same NBA game. This version of Bronny is undoubtedly better.
Season Improvements
“I definitely think I’ve improved, not only as a player, but just having a different mindset when I play,” Bronny stated. The Lakers support this notion, noting his increased confidence on the court. Despite averages of 1.7 points and 26 percent shooting across 20 NBA games, there’s more to his progress.
G League Performance
In a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, despite limited minutes, Bronny contributed significantly, including a key 3-pointer. The Lakers’ management acknowledged his development, particularly in defense and three-point shooting, reflecting his readiness for these moments in NBA games. In the G League, Bronny has excelled, averaging 17.4 points in 16 games, a notable improvement compared to his college and high school stats.
Handling Criticism
As a high-profile player, Bronny has faced criticism, including remarks suggesting he is in the NBA solely due to his father’s status. Bronny, however, claims to use this criticism as motivation. He emphasizes daily work and practice to enhance his skills, committed to self-improvement, and remains focused on the game.
A Bright Future
With his current trajectory promising, Bronny looks forward to potentially playing more alongside his father before LeBron’s career concludes. During a recent game, the crowd chanted his name, leading Bronny to nail a quick three-pointer, showcasing his readiness for the spotlight. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka noted Bronny’s dedication and enthusiasm, highlighting the positive influence he brings to the team.
