Before Bronny James even steps onto the NBA court, he is destined to etch his name into the annals of history. In truth, he has already achieved this feat, as of June 27. On this pivotal day, the Los Angeles Lakers utilized the No. 55 pick to select him, thus establishing him and his father, LeBron James, as the first-ever father-son duo actively competing in the league.
Consequently, every action undertaken by Bronny is— and has been— scrutinized under the watchful gaze of the basketball universe. This phenomenon elucidates why this article exists and why your curiosity has led you here.
Typically, most second-round selections garner little more than a modicum of attention; however, James is far from an ordinary second-round choice. As the firstborn progeny of NBA royalty, he embodies an heir to a regal basketball lineage. Each stage of his NBA odyssey promises intrigue, prompting us to delineate a plausible trajectory for his inaugural preseason experience.
Given that the younger James is anticipated to spend the majority of his rookie campaign within the G League, opportunities to share the court with his illustrious father will be sparse. Nevertheless, whenever such instances arise, they are sure to incite a media maelstrom. From a historical standpoint, the Lakers have proactively contemplated orchestrating such moments.
“We’ve certainly broached this topic as a coaching staff and delved into specific scenarios of what that might entail,” Lakers coach JJ Redick conveyed to the media. “However, we have yet to solidify any plans.”
The father-son dynamic will undoubtedly garner the most attention during their inaugural regular-season encounter; yet, the Lakers can, should, and most likely will tantalize the public with glimpses of this unprecedented collaboration throughout the preseason.
It must be conceded that most enthusiasts do not engage with the NBA preseason anticipating high-stakes defense. Nevertheless, for those yearning to witness Bronny in his element, their focus should be directed toward the less glamorous facets of the game.
His arsenal brims with the essential intangibles of a diligent defender. His effort is unwavering, his instincts are commendable—especially for a rookie who amassed fewer than 500 minutes on the collegiate stage—and his hands exhibit the swiftness necessary to wreak havoc on the opposition.
Physically, he possesses advantageous attributes as well. Although he may not have inherited his father’s imposing stature—Bronny measured a modest 6’1.5″ at the combine—he is an electrifying athlete endowed with remarkable length (boasting a wingspan of 6’7″).
Should you seek pragmatic (or even optimistic) player comparisons for James, you will encounter athletes renowned for their defensive tenacity: De’Anthony Melton, Davion Mitchell, Patrick Beverley, and, for the exceptionally optimistic, Jrue Holiday. Expect the Lakers to challenge James against some of the premier perimeter players on opposing teams, and do not be astonished if he manages to hold his ground more often than not.
