Last Friday marked the end of the NBA preseason, and the Los Angeles Lakers closed out their run with a disappointing 2-4 record. In their final game against the Golden State Warriors, despite the 74-132 loss, one bright spot for the Lakers was Bronny James, who caught the attention of fans and former Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Despite receiving criticism earlier, Bronny delivered an impressive performance on the Warriors’ home court. While the Lakers struggled, fans were excited by the potential Bronny displayed during the game.
Johnson, who closely followed the game, took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Bronny’s performance, writing, “I have to tell you, Bronny James is going to be a really good basketball player!”
Johnson added, “He showed he has a few things you simply can’t teach—high basketball IQ, athleticism, and a competitive spirit that makes him a tenacious defender.“
Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their preseason game at Chase Center on October 18, 2024 in San Francisco, California.
Johnson’s thoughts on Bronny’s role with the Lakers
Johnson didn’t just praise Bronny James’ talent; he also emphasized how important LeBron’s son will be for the Lakers this season. Johnson confidently stated, “I believe after a lot of hard work this season, he’ll definitely be in the Lakers’ rotation and playing heavy minutes.”
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Johnson also drew comparisons between Bronny and other players who have developed into key contributors for the Lakers. “Bronny James is in good hands with the Lakers, who excel at developing talent. Two names that come to mind are Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, who are both starters in the league today. Bronny will be next,” Johnson added.
Bronny’s performance against the Warriors
In the Lakers’ preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, Bronny was a key part of the starting five, playing a total of 35 minutes—second only to Quincy Olivari, who logged 39 minutes.
During his time on the court, Bronny scored 17 points, making him the second-highest scorer for the Lakers that night. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 1 assist, showing his all-around capabilities.
As the Lakers’ roster decisions loom, Bronny awaits confirmation from the coaching staff to see if he will officially join the NBA regular season lineup. If selected, he will have the opportunity to play alongside his father, LeBron James, and contribute to the Lakers’ push for a playoff run.
