Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, is under the microscope after his appearances in the NBA G League Winter Showcase. Playing for the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, the 20-year-old guard showed glimpses of his potential but left scouts with concerns about his readiness for the next level.
Bronny had an uneven weekend at the showcase. In his first outing against the Greensboro Swarm, he filled the stat sheet with 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals, despite his team’s 98-90 loss. However, his performance took a nosedive in the following game. Against the Osceola Magic, James managed only six points on 3-of-7 shooting as the Lakers secured a 120-104 win.
Through seven games in the G League this season, James has averaged 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. While respectable, his shooting-particularly from beyond the arc-has been a glaring weakness. He’s shooting just 21.2% from three-point range, a statistic that underscores the areas he must improve.
Scouts’ verdict: work in progress
NBA insider Marc Stein recently shared feedback from scouts who observed Bronny’s performance at the showcase. The consensus is clear: the young guard needs extensive development, especially in his point guard skills.
“The unanimous view I heard from watching scouts at the Showcase is that James needs as much time as he can get in the G League to improve all aspects of his point guard play, from his floor game to (especially) his ability to make shots,” Stein wrote in his newsletter.
This critique highlights a key area of concern: Bronny’s ability to effectively run the floor and make shots under pressure.
While Bronny has the athletic pedigree and work ethic to grow, the path ahead won’t be easy. If he hopes to follow in his father’s NBA footsteps, the G League will likely remain a crucial developmental stage. With scouts emphasizing his need for more time and refinement, the 2024-25 season could be pivotal for his future.
The spotlight is brighter than ever, but can Bronny rise to the occasion? Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as he continues his journey.