The Los Angeles Lakers are invested in Bronny James’ development, but they need him to crack the rotation to stick long-term. The 21-year-old is using a lesson from LeBron James about putting in the work to get there. His shot keeps looking better, and head coach JJ Redick has praised Bronny on several occasions. James is getting better by doing the work.
When asked about finding a role on this squad after Saturday’s practice, Bronny sounded a lot like his famous father.
“Keep working, continue to come to the gym and stay after practice. Get extra work in and compete when we are playing. Just trying to make my mark.”
Bronny later discussed that he is working on picking up full-court, being a primary ball-handler, improving his conditioning, and continuing to iron out his jumper. The 21-year-old still has room to grow and knows what it takes to be great. LeBron is notorious for his work ethic.
Bronny James is first in and last out, just like LeBron
King James has long been known for being the first to the gym and often having a full sweat going before anyone else arrives. LeBron is still doing that at 41 years old after his move to the 76ers.
James’ former Laker teammate Quinn Cook talked about what makes LeBron special on Victor Oladipo’s podcast last year.
LeBron always wants to be the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. That is how he became the GOAT and continues to be a superstar into his 40s. His oldest son was clearly taking notes.
Bronny James is putting in extra work to jump into the Lakers rotation
Bronny was the last one to leave the Lakers practice on the opening day of training camp. He was working on off-the-dribble 3-pointers after the rest of the players went to the locker room.
The Lakers kept Bronny after LeBron’s departure. They showed faith in the younger James. Clearly, Bronny wasn’t just a favor to LBJ. He has earned the trust of the coaching staff and has potential. Bronny’s playing time has been limited in his first two NBA seasons, but that could change on this new-look roster.
The Lakers remade things around Luka Doncic this summer, which left Bronny in a tie for the third-longest-tenured Laker. Only Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt have worn the purple and gold longer. Los Angeles could have dumped Bronny, but decided to keep him. Fans are worried as the Lakers enter training camp with 16 guaranteed contracts, but LA has already tipped their hand.
Bronny James’ work ethic will keep him on the Lakers
The Lakers are searching for a consolidation trade, but haven’t found one. They will be forced to trim their roster to 15 players on Oct. 19. It is a competition during training camp to see who sticks. Bronny is ahead of Dalton Knecht, despite Knecht being taken higher in the same draft. JJ Redick has already talked about a role for James and Jaden Hardy, which makes Knecht the most likely odd man out.
Lakers fans know Bronny will keep putting in the work. His father taught him from a young age that is what it takes to be great. The 21-year-old saw significant improvement in his shooting last season because he put in the work. Bronny went from shooting 28.1 percent from 3-point range to 38.6 percent in a limited sample. There are plenty more gains to make, and he’s already putting in the work.
The Lakers have minutes available after all the offseason changes. Bronny James gained coach Redick’s trust last season as he played in the final ten regular season games and first four playoff contests. Bronny got minutes in five games before Doncic and Austin Reaves went down. That trust should carry over to this year and give Bronny a leg up. It is about finding a role and making the most of it.
Bronny James has taken his work ethic from LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers are benefiting. The 21-year-old keeps getting better and is making his case to play every night in his third NBA season. Bronny needs to earn those minutes in training camp. If he doesn’t, it won’t be for a lack of trying.
James will keep putting in the work to try to step out of his father’s shadow. Bronny wants to be known for his accomplishments, and he had a fantastic role model in how to do special things. Expect the improvement to continue.
Add us as a preferred source on Google