Things began to change in the early steps of Bronny James‘ NBA career. In the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent 89-118 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the son of LeBron James posted a career-high 17 points, and he was candid about the milestone.
Despite the tough defeat, with the Lakers missing LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, Bronny took full advantage of his opportunity. Along with his 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, three rebounds, and five assists, he played 30 minutes and recorded his best performance in this area.
“I’d say I’ve gained my confidence and gained my comfortability over just reps and getting out there and taking advantage of my opportunity if it’s given,” James said in a post-game press conference after the Lakers’ loss. “So just being ready at all times. I think that’s the biggest thing for me is staying in that stay-ready mentality—games, practice, and stuff like that—and taking advantage like I did tonight. So yeah, it’s been pretty good for me so far”.
Bronny’s selection in the NBA Draft was one of the most talked-about in league history, given he is the son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Still, he’s focused on tuning out the noise and concentrating on what he can control. He’s also aware of the criticism surrounding him, but explained that he uses it as motivation to improve.
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass the ball against Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“Just putting my head down and working,” Bronny continued. “I feel like that’s the only thing that I can control right now is going in every day and staying ready to play, staying ready to learn. Getting the work in after hours, early mornings, stuff like that. Just all the controllables that I can do myself”.
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“There’s not really much I can do about people, random people talking about me every day. So I can’t really do much about that. So I just go in the gym and work, put my head down, and try to get better every day,” he added.
JJ Redick not surprised by Bronny’s performance
Lakers coach JJ Redick wasn’t surprised by Bronny’s impressive showing against the Bucks. He’s seen firsthand how well the young guard performs when given the chance to play with the Lakers.
“We’ve obviously monitored him in the G [League] and feel like in those sorts of end-game situations when he’s gotten a chance to play with us, he’s been really good. So, [I’m] not surprised by tonight. I think his confidence is growing, because you mentioned the word comfort. That’s certainly there for him,” Redick said.
“I think the next step is just becoming an elite-conditioned athlete,” he continued. “Because if he does that, with his physical tools, his burst, and his handle, we think he’s going to be [an] above-average to really good NBA shooter, who’s going to have a chance to really make an impact”.
Bronny’s message to all his coaches
Bronny expressed gratitude for the support from his coaches who’ve consistently believed in him and his potential as a player. “All the coaches believing in me and continuing to put that in my head that they believe in me and what I can do as a player,” he noted.
“I was given an opportunity tonight to go show them what I’ve been working on while I’ve been sitting on the bench, in the G-League, getting reps, and stuff like that,” he continued. “Just constantly putting that in my head that they believe in me and that I can contribute“.
