The Los Angeles Lakers may have found a hidden gem in rookie guard Dalton Knecht, who delivered a standout performance by dropping 35 points in an overtime preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. While Knecht’s explosive debut has turned heads, the spotlight this season is set to shine even brighter on the other rookie in the Lakers’ camp—Bronny James.
As the son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny James is under a level of scrutiny far greater than what’s typically expected of a second-round pick. The big question surrounding his rookie season is whether he can establish his own identity and carve out a lasting career in the NBA. While Bronny’s numbers haven’t been eye-popping so far, one of basketball’s most respected trainers believes that the 20-year-old has the tools to succeed at the professional level.
Chris Brickley, a renowned NBA trainer who has worked with some of the league’s biggest stars—such as Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and up-and-coming talent Paige Bueckers—expressed his optimism about Bronny’s future in the league. In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Justin Robertson, Brickley offered high praise for the young guard’s potential.
“He wants to improve,” Brickley said. “I think he’s a lot better than people think. From his ball-handling, to shooting, to athleticism, to IQ, it’s way higher than people give him credit for. I think he’s going to have a long career in the NBA.”
Despite Brickley’s confidence, Bronny’s journey to proving himself in the NBA has just begun. After averaging 4.8 points per game in his lone season at USC, James has struggled to put up big numbers during the Lakers’ preseason games. His most recent game proved he can be effective when given some time on the court.
However, in the four preseason games leading up to that, Bronny scored just four points total, shooting 2-of-16 from the field and committing five turnovers.
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It’s important to remember that transitioning to the NBA is no small feat, and Bronny’s early struggles are not uncommon for a rookie. He’s adjusting to the speed, physicality, and skill level of professional basketball, just like many first-year players do.
His slow start may raise questions, but as Brickley noted, his dedication to improving and his basketball IQ are qualities that can’t be measured solely by his stats.
Being the son of LeBron James undoubtedly adds pressure, but it also comes with unique opportunities. Bronny is not only learning from the best by sharing a team with his father, but he’s also surrounded by veterans and experienced coaches who will help him develop his game.
While Bronny’s journey is just getting underway, he has plenty of time to grow, and if Brickley’s assessment is correct, he could very well enjoy a long and successful career in the NBA. It’s clear that his path won’t be without its challenges, but the tools are there for Bronny to make a name for himself beyond just being LeBron’s son.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how he continues to evolve and adjust to the rigors of the NBA.
