Despite being just a preseason game, the Suns vs. Lakers matchup electrified NBA fans. The overtime thriller showcased Laker rookie Dalton Knecht, who scored 20 consecutive points and hit a crucial three-pointer to help secure the win for the Purple and Gold. His standout performance shifted the focus away from Bronny James, though some may still question his fit in the league.
The accused? Suns sensation Devin Booker. While James had a decent outing with 4 points and a +17 differential, he struggled at the free-throw line, missing both of his attempts. Cameras caught Booker allegedly saying, “He’s just no good.” However, there’s no confirmation that he was targeting the 20-year-old, and it’s unclear if the conversation even involved Bronny James.
The viral footage didn’t evade Devin Booker’s gaze. The Suns’ star took to social media and called out those who believed it. He wrote, “50k of yall need help” to express his dismay at the situation.
It’s not the first time the radiating scorer has landed in hot waters. In a golf session along with his good friend D’Angelo Russell, Booker joked about lottery picks limiting themselves to a few workouts. The reason it created a stir is due to James’ draft process only included two workouts, although his reasonings were different. “If you won’t give him a real deal, there’s nothing to talk about. It’s hard to get real development on a two-way deal,” his agent Rich Paul explained.
Aside from Booker, the NBA media has been rampant in criticizing James’ readiness for the NBA. And just a day later, the USC product knit together his best performance.
When playing in the Summer League, it took James a few games to accustom himself to the rapturous atmosphere of those arenas. As and when he did, his involvement on both sides of the floor became noticeable. But the NBA crowds are louder, bigger and the pressure is totally different. Still, Bronny James has always been positive in his preparations.
The vital part of him successfully transitioning though was getting a hang of the environment. “Going out there and getting reps, I feel like that’s the most important thing. Grow my confidence and be more comfortable when I’m out there playing,” he said after his game against the Suns.
Tonight, when the Lakers played the Warriors in their final preseason game, he got an opportunity to build that confidence. With no starters on the floor, his offensive duties inflated, and James answered the call. He scored 17 points which included a three-pointer and displayed fierce on-ball pressure when guarding his matchup.
After the game, relief seemed to have draped over James who only asked for a “chance” to play his style. Sure, it doesn’t warrant consistency or slate him to get regular minutes. However, the least it does show is that Bronny belongs around the league and with adequate development can be a contributing factor for the Lakers.
