In a sport like basketball, where statistics are treated as gospel and every move, every contribution, and every error is scrutinized, everyone is focusing on Bronny. It’s hard being the son of an NBA legend, especially when you can’t even keep up with the young guns. His performance in four games with the Lakers during the Summer League, including two in the California Classic, is quite disappointing when you look at the numbers.
James played 25 minutes, finishing with 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. He was 0 for 3 from 3-point range and is now 0 for 15 from beyond the arc in four games this summer — two in Las Vegas and two at the California Classic in San Francisco. LeBron’s 19-year-old son seemed to be handling the pressure pretty well so far, but his morale is cracking. “I am in a little slump right now” Bronny said. But is he, though? Uncle Gil and his Gil arena crew have a different take on this.
According to Gilbert Arenas, with backing from Kenyon Martin, he is not experiencing a slump. “Whatever position they play him it’s new to him at this level, so you are not in a slump, young fella!” Kenyon said. Moreover, the crew discussed how hard the NBA is and that it is not easy to get buckets in the world’s best league. “Because of Bronny’s last name going to get that bucket is even harder” Kenyon Martin added.
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What’s your reaction? Is Bronny James crumbling under media pressure? React! Reactions
According to Brandon Jennings on the podcast, Bronny is receiving treatment similar to a top 5 pick or performing like a top 5 pick. Gil and his crew argue that Bronny, being a second-round pick, should be given time to develop his game. Even JJ Reddick called the 19-year-old USC prospect a “developmental player” following his entry into the big league. “No one talks about second round picks! They let second round picks do their thing” Arenas said. Can’t we give Bronny some time to develop, considering he’s just a second-round pick?
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Can Bronny James prove everyone wrong and make a comeback?
Despite being seen as over-hyped, Bronny benefits from the James bloodline, but history proves that NBA bloodlines are consistently underrated. Before coming to the NBA, Bronny James averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while starting six of 25 games for the Trojans. He shot 37% from the field, 27% from three-point range and 68% from the free throw line. Moreover, adjusting to the NBA can be challenging for college players and may require some time. It wouldn’t be fair to judge Bronny solely based on his performance in his first summer league games.
Trae Young, the current best player in the Atlanta Hawks, had a rough summer league season. Being the number 5 pick, he shot a woeful 12 of 52(23.1%) with 11 turnovers. However, he developed his skills and abilities upon entering the league and now averages 25.7 points, and 10.8 assists, with 43.0% shooting from the field, which is a big improvement and a testament to his hard work and talent. Likewise, Bronny can improve too.
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Social media has been unforgiving, mocking Bronny’s underwhelming performances. Yet, LeBron James has made it clear that his son is unfazed by the criticism. “I don’t know if people really understand Bronny. He doesn’t care,” James Sr. said. Bronny has faced challenges in the Summer League, but his father’s belief in him and his indifference to online critics may help him rebound.
We’ll find out if Bronny can overcome the challenges and make it big in the NBA. What are your thoughts on this? Comment below.