The NBApreseason wraps up today with seven games, marking the countdown to the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season. Time has flown since the Boston Celtics claimed the championship in June, with the Olympics, the Draft, and several surprising player trades keeping fans on their toes. The preseason has given us a glimpse into the performances of new players on their respective teams, as well as the young talents drafted this year. Among the most notable rookies is Bronny James, whose every move will be under a microscope this season.
Bronny James Faces Humbling Moment Against Kevin Durant
Bronny has averaged only eight points in five preseason games for the Los Angeles Lakers, playing just over 12 minutes per game. This clearly confirms what was already known: his spot in the rotation will be among the last considered by rookie coach J.J. Redick. In the last preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant welcomed Bronny to the NBA with a forceful block that would have been a highlight-reel play had it not been for a questionable foul call. Despite the new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer challenging the call, it was deemed unsuccessful, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads.
To make matters worse, Bronny missed both free throws. LeBron James could only watch as one of his biggest rivals throughout his career delivered a humbling moment to his son on national television. While this may be a setback for Bronny, it’s a learning experience that all players go through. Every NBA player, except perhaps Victor Wembanyama, has faced their fair share of blocks. Tonight, the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors, who defeated them a few nights ago. It would be quite a sight to see Draymond Green swat away one of Bronny’s shots or Stephen Curry pull off an ankle-breaker. Is that too much to ask for?
Bronny’s Future Looks Uncertain
Considering his performance in the Summer League and the preseason, it’s clear that Bronny is still finding his footing in the NBA. He’s struggling to score and seems to lack confidence. The immense pressure of being LeBron James‘ son is undoubtedly weighing on him. While it’s a challenging situation, it’s important for Bronny to develop at his own pace. Spending time with the South Bay Lakers in the G-League could be beneficial for his growth, as many NBA stars like Rudy Gobert, Pascal Siakam, Khris Middleton, and the recently retired Danny Green have done.
The NBA Season is Upon Us
The NBA regular season kicks off on Tuesday with two exciting matchups. The defending champion Boston Celtics will look to become the first back-to-back champions since 2018, but they’ll face stiff competition from teams like the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in Milwaukee. In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder will aim to dethrone the Dallas Mavericks, while the Los Angeles Lakers will strive to return to championship contention. As always, anything can happen in the NBA, and we’re here for the ride.
