Bronny James was the most scrutinized name in the NBA Summer League in the summer of 2024, especially after his poor performance in Summer League San Francisco. However, this player tried to improve himself in Summer League Las Vegas, with a game scoring 12 points against the Atlanta Hawks and 13 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bronny James is just three months away from his first NBA regular season. In this article, The Sporting News will once again assess Bronny James’ potential, as well as look at the areas in which he has improved over the past few months.
Assessing Bronny James’ Potential After 2024 NBA Summer League Playoffs
Bronny James’ Defensive Potential
Of Bronny James’ current skill set, defense is the only thing that meets the demands of the NBA game. While his 6’1” height can be a hindrance in situations where opponents exploit his size difference, his stamina, ability to cling on, and consistent arm range should help Bronny James make up for it.
Some say Bronny James has a formidable defensive ability and can reach the level of players like Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell and Derrick White. Not to mention, Bronny James is also willing to play dirty when necessary to psychologically inhibit opponents.
In the 2024/25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers can use Bronny James situationally, or need to ensure defense against the opponent’s secondary scorers. In other words, Bronny James can be used to do the small jobs that are the foundation for the team’s great success.
Although he still has limitations in thinking and spatial awareness when defending without the ball in the whole system, Bronny James still has the potential to improve in the near future.
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Attacking ability can be improved over time
Bronny James has never been considered a great offensive player during his college career. This perception is even more valid when he only had 7 points with a 3/12 performance in the first 2 matches of the San Francisco Summer League.
However, Bronny James has been getting better at scoring over time. In the match against the Houston Rockets, the eldest son of LeBron James missed all 8 3-pointers, but he still had 8 points for himself. After another lackluster match, Bronny James scored 12 points against the Atlanta Hawks and 13 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bronny James isn’t a great 3-point shooter, but he has the speed to make cuts, create dangerous opportunities, or disrupt defenses. However, as a supporting offensive player, these are the things Bronny James can help his team with when he’s on the court.
In the NBA, it’s not uncommon for players to be great at defense and terrible at offense when they’re young, but they improve over time. Bronny James could follow this same path to make it in the NBA.
Bronny James needs patience
Most importantly, Bronny James needs patience from everyone. Less than a year before becoming Pick 55 of the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest during practice and was on the verge of giving up on his professional career. His determination to return to the field deserves respect.
Besides, Bronny James is still just an ordinary player and still has a lot to learn to grow. His time playing at the University was interrupted by a cardiac arrest, and having better teammates is also an obstacle for the development of the player born in 2004. Bronny James may not be strong enough to play in the NBA, but he can gradually find a place in a lower-level arena, the G-League, while improving his skills.
Remember, Bronny James doesn’t turn 20 until October. LeBron James’ oldest son still has a long way to go before he can establish himself in the NBA.
Bronny James’ Summer League performance
| Battle | 6 |
| Average Minutes | 25.0 |
| Average score | 7.0 |
| Average Rebound | 3.5 |
| Average construction | 1.5 |
| Average Steal | 1.0 |
| Average block | 0.8 |
| Average Turnover | 1.8 |
| Efficiency | 17/52 |
| 3 point performance | 3/23 |
At Summer League Las Vegas
| Battle | 4 |
| Average Minutes | 25 |
| Average score | 8.8 |
| Average Rebound | 3.5 |
| Average construction | 1.0 |
| Average Steal | 0.8 |
| Average block | 0.5 |
| Average Turnover | 2.3 |
| Efficiency | 14/40 |
| 3 point performance | 3/19 |
At Summer League California
| Battle | 2 |
| Average Minutes | 25.7 |
| Average score | 3.5 |
| Average Rebound | 3.5 |
| Average construction | 2.5 |
| Average Steal | 1.5 |
| Average block | 1.5 |
| Average Turnover | 1.0 |
| Efficiency | 3-12 (25.0%) |
| 3 point performance | 0-4 (0.0%) |
SEE MORE: What did Jaylen Brown say about Bronny James at NBA Summer League?
