Bronny James Outlines Goals for 2nd NBA Season With Lakers, Reflects on Rookie Year
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James is aiming to become a regular member of the team's rotation during his second season in the NBA.
The 20-year-old told ESPN's Dave McMenamin a January loss to the Philadelphia 76ers was when he really felt the learning curve in the pros. He logged 15 minutes off the bench and shot 0-of-5 from the field.
"It was definitely like, 'OK, this is where I stand right now, I need to just be better,'" James said. "I need to get in the gym, get extra shots up, work on my body, work on my IQ, watch film, stuff like that with the coaches. So, it was definitely an eye-opener for me."
He called the Sixers game "an experience I definitely should have gone through."
As a small sign of progress from Year 1, James pointed to his right-handed jam in a 103-83 NBA Summer League win over the Miami Heat. He poked the ball away, ran the floor, and ended the sequence with an emphatic finish.
"Last year, I probably would've had a little rim grazer, layup-type of finish," he said to McMenamin.
Beyond the experience he gained as a rookie, the passage of time should be beneficial in another aspect.
James suffered cardiac arrest during a summer workout ahead of his freshman year at USC. Not only did it delay his Trojans debut, but it also impacted his performance on the court.
The effects of his medical episode continue to linger.
"I get kind of sick easier now," he said. "Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that I'm working on just goes away in that week of me being out."
Head coach JJ Redick told McMenamin is that conditioning is the one hurdle in front of James.
"The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape," he said. "That's the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he's got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA."
Redick added that James is "going to get there" in terms of having the required cardio to be an effective two-way player.
It remains to be seen how the coaching staff will balance Bronny's long-term development with the Lakers' short-term priorities.
While the organization is being increasingly centered around Luka Dončić rather than LeBron James, the objectives aren't much different. Los Angeles wants to make the playoffs and go on a deep run. That typically means leaning on proven veterans over younger players still growing on the court.
The arrival of Marcus Smart certainly won't help James' efforts to carve out a steady role in the backcourt.
Based on Redick's remarks, the Lakers at least maintain an internal belief in Bronny's potential.
