The Los Angeles Lakers may have made a substantial financial commitment to Bronny James, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will see significant playing time with the team this season.
During a recent segment on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Adrian Wojnarowski provided insights into Bronny’s rookie year with the Lakers.
Despite the considerable hype surrounding Bronny, the current plan is for him to spend the 2024-25 season playing in the G League.
“Well, what the Lakers’ expectations are is he’ll largely be a G League player like almost any 19-year-old player coming into the league drafted in the second round,” Wojnarowski said, via Fox News Digital. “What you’ll ultimately probably see is Bronny James in the first week of the season on the court with his father in a very – I don’t want to call it ceremonial, but the eyes of the world will be on that.
“They’ll do that the first week of the season, but there’s no expectation Bronny is going to be in the Lakers’ rotation.”
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The Lakers recently made headlines by signing Bronny to a four-year, $7.9 million contract. Many critics argued that this was an overly generous deal for a second-round pick.
However, the Lakers have made it clear that they see Bronny as an intriguing prospect. Head coach JJ Redick has praised the former USC guard’s work ethic and athleticism, highlighting the potential he brings to the team.
While only time will tell if Bronny has what it takes to succeed in the NBA, the Lakers are committed to being patient with his development. This approach will allow Bronny to hone his skills in the G League, where he can gain valuable experience without the immediate pressure of performing at the NBA level.
Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been closely watched, not just because of his famous father, LeBron James, but also due to his own promising talent. The anticipation surrounding his debut is palpable, and the Lakers’ plan to have him share the court with his father during the first week of the season is sure to be a momentous occasion.
However, the primary focus will remain on Bronny’s long-term growth. The Lakers’ strategy indicates a willingness to invest in his potential, giving him the time and resources needed to develop into a capable NBA player.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to seeing Bronny’s progress in the G League, where he will have the opportunity to refine his game and prepare for future contributions to the Lakers. The team’s patient and strategic approach underscores their belief in Bronny’s potential and their commitment to nurturing his talent over the coming years.