The most controversial player in the 2024 NBA Draft has found a new home: Bronny James joins the Lakers, who selected the shooting guard with the 55th pick.
Much will be made of Bronny’s chances of success or failure after a year at USC in which he averaged just 4.8 points per game. However, he has talent and was a legitimate draft candidate.
Bronny won’t be a star in the NBA. His path to success depends on becoming a good role player. While other prospects compare themselves to his father or other superstars in the league, Bronny has been compared to Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell and Derrick White.
Role players need the right person to be successful. Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, knows: Paul allegedly threatened to send Bronny to Australia if certain teams picked him up. Bronny finally found a great place to land with the Lakers.
Here’s why this is ideal for him.
Bronny James fits in with the Lakers
Bronny James can (theoretically) add much-needed shooting to the Lakers
LeBron has been complaining for years about the Lakers’ lack of shooting, with the team ranking 28th in 3-point attempts last season.
That should change with new coach JJ Redick, who has He hinted on his podcast that he wants them to shoot more threes.Dalton Knecht should help in that regard, as should Bronny.
Bronny didn’t shoot the ball as well at USC, connecting on just 26.7 percent of his attempts. His shot looked much better in the drills and he was a decent shooter in high school. The shape of it seems solid. If he can reach his potential, then he should be a catch-and-shoot player. He has the endorsement of his father.
“[Bronny] could play for us right now,” LeBron was heard saying this last January. “Easy easy.”
If Bronny is never able to develop that 3-point shot, then he probably won’t stay in the NBA. Teams will simply move away from him to help other players, making him unplayable.
The reason for his confidence is that the Lakers have a good player development team and now have one of the best shooters in the game in Redick, who can give some excellent advice.
Lakers offer Bronny the simplified role he needs
Bronny won’t be a bucket-hunter who creates shots on his own. He doesn’t yet have the ability to create separation off the dribble on his own. He’ll be more of a secondary guy who can make the right read when he can attack a struggling defense.
The Lakers are a great opportunity for that to happen. They already have natural advantage creators in LeBron and Anthony Davis. Bronny’s job will be easy: He’ll catch the ball when those guys get the defense’s attention, then shoot open threes or look to close out the game.
When Bronny puts the ball on the ground, he is a good finisher and has good passing vision. He is a selfless player who always makes the right play when he receives the ball.
Bronny is also a good cutter who should work well in Redick’s new offense. He will likely feature more split cuts and passes through the Lakers’ big men.. He’s going to fit in perfectly with the new coach.
Bronny can be a tough defender on the ball.
Bronny is going to make his mark on the defensive side of the ball. He has good tools there, as he possesses a 6-7.25 wingspan that matches his 6-1.5 inch shoeless height.
Along with those tools, Bronny has great defensive technique. He is an expert at maneuvering around screens, has a strong 210-pound frame like his father, and puts in excellent effort. He knows where he is supposed to be and can anticipate where the ball will go, which leads to many deflections and steals. He has excellent hands that should immediately translate to the professional game as well.
Last season, the Lakers defended well with Davis and LeBron, but D’Angelo Russell’s perimeter defense was a weakness in the playoffs. Austin Reaves has been good, but he is not a defensive back.
Bronny could be a situational player to bring in when teams start to criticize the Lakers’ other guards.
Bronny can put his transition skills to good use with the Lakers
One of Bronny’s best skills is as an open-court passer. He sees the floor well in those situations and his athleticism is at its best when he’s in top form. He’s also a great passer who can boost a team’s transition attack.
The Lakers are already a great transition team. They ranked fourth in transition frequency and third in points added in transition last season. To clean the glass. There will be some good highlights of LeBron and Bronny setting each other up on fast breaks next season.
Many people don’t take Bronny’s potential seriously, but he actually has several things going for him (aside from the obvious, that his father will be there to support him). This is his best chance to succeed in the NBA.