Bronny James has spent more time in the G-League this season than he likely anticipated.
While many believed that James could be a valuable role player for the Los Angeles Lakers in Year 2, an impactful second season in the big leagues hasn’t materialized for the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
As a result, Los Angeles has demoted James to the minor leagues several times. In James’ last G-League outing with the South Bay Lakers, the USC product recorded 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals in South Bay’s 125-121 victory over the Memphis Hustle on Saturday.
During the contest, James threw down an emphatic one-handed tomahawk slam that prompted his father, LeBron, to send his son a five-word message.
“The Air Different up there,” the four-time NBA champion wrote on X/Twitter.
There’s no question that James’ vertical athleticism is one of his strong suits, and it isn’t terribly surprising. With LeBron being one of the most gifted athletes of all time, it was only a matter of time before his 21-year-old son followed in his footsteps and replicated several of his powerful slams.
James’ main issue is his horrid perimeter shooting (he’s connecting on 28.0% of his triples thus far).
If the 6-foot-2 guard ever develops a long-range jumper, whether in catch-and-shoot situations or off the dribble, he’ll transform into a well-rounded two-way guard that JJ Redick can depend on in the foreseeable future.
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