Nepotism has always had a rightful place in the conversation about Bronny James.
However, from the jump, it completely dominated the conversation, leaving very little room for other discussion, like about his game or his potential as a prospect. So, while the worst talking heads you know were focused on questioning LeBron James’ fatherhood, Bronny has focused on himself in the background.
And now, he’s showing everyone the progress of his work.
Over the last week, Bronny has twice appeared in games
for the Lakers. While he’s only totaled just under 18 minutes in those contests combined, he’s shown something he hasn’t in his brief NBA career.
Meaningful production.
In both contests, Bronny was inserted into the rotation as a result of injuries. In both contests, he’s made impactful plays to contribute to victories. In Indiana on Wednesday, he knocked down a pull-up jumper in the fourth quarter that Luka Dončić called “one of the most important shots of the game.”
Two nights later, he set another record alongside his father, becoming the first father-son duo to combine for an assist when he knocked down a 3-pointer in the second quarter to stem a Nets run.
“He’s always ready to play,” head coach JJ Redick said of Bronny postgame. “[He] hit a big three when things were getting a little wayward there in the second quarter with some turnovers. I’m really happy with where he’s at and I’m very confident in where he’s going to be as a player.”
Even if these can be viewed as baby steps, they also represent tangible growth. This time a year ago, Bronny was the silver lining of a blowout loss against the Bucks. Now, he’s stepped in seamlessly as part of the rotation for a contending team.
For those who have paid acute attention, though, this isn’t entirely shocking. Bronny has seen plenty of time with the South Bay Lakers this season, playing in 19 games. But his production over the last month has been noticeable.
Dating back to the start of February, Bronny is averaging 13.5 points per game, but doing so on 57.6% shooting from the field and 53.3% shooting from three on 3.8 long-range attempts per game. In that span, South Bay is 13-0 when Bronny plays and he’s scored in double figures in all but one game.
After being forced away from basketball for nearly six months, Bronny has found his rhythm and his confidence again.
“I’ve gotten more and more reps, being comfortable shooting behind the NBA line,” Bronny said. “Gotten more and more comfortable for me to just shoot it without thinking.”
“He’s just getting back to where it was before the incident,” LeBron added after Friday’s win. “He’s always been able to shoot the ball. He’s shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball. So I just think just the confidence and the rhythm and just getting his strength back and his wind and everything. Everything is just coming back.”
As always, progress is not linear. Once the Lakers get healthy again, Bronny will return to his role at the end of the bench this season. But these moments are positive returns, even if in small doses for now, of the investment the Lakers have made in him.
And for Bronny, it’s the chance to continue to live out his dream of being on an NBA court.
“I’ve been wanting to play basketball my whole life, so I knew it was going to be my job at one point,” Bronny said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m so privileged to be able to play basketball for a job and I love every single second of it. My teammates embrace it. I’m best friends with all my teammates and my coaches.
“I’m just happy to be here.”
