The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to get production from Bronny James this season, and former NBA player turned broadcaster Stu Lantz said it is because he refuses to be aggressive. LeBron’s son is too concerned with running the offense and checking the boxes. He must attack the defense to earn more playing time.
Flipping that switch is never easy for young players. Everything happens at warp speed in an NBA game. Youngsters are more worried about not making mistakes instead of just hopping as they have for their entire lives. Bronny is no different.
Lantz has been calling Lakers games since 1987. He has a wealth of NBA knowledge and is seeing exactly what fans are witnessing. James struggles when he gets a chance because he is not putting his head down and attacking. He did went to work in Cleveland and scored eight points in eight minutes. That is the Bronny everyone wants to see.
Stu Lantz says Bronny has to attack more with the Lakers
James entered Friday’s blowout win over the Wizards midway through the fourth quarter. The game was decided, which was the perfect opportunity for Bronny to display his skills without any pressure. He was fouled shooting a 3-pointer, which more than doubled his season total of free throw attempts. His trip to the line prompted Lantz to say this about the 21-year-old guard.
“That is because when he has been in games, he really hasn’t been that aggressive. You know, he is running the offense the way they want him to run it, but he’s not looking to be in attack mode. When he’s in attack mode, he is a much different player.”
It would explain why James averages 1.7 points, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 6.9 minutes per game over his first 25 contests this year. He is shooting just 37.2 percent from the field in the small sample. Those numbers have to have Rob Pelinka thinking about Bronny’s future in LA.
Something has to change. This is already his second NBA season, and the Lakers can only use him in garbage time. Even in his G League opportunities, Bronny hasn't dominated as an NBA-ready player should. This is no longer LeBron’s team. Luka Doncic is the face of the Lakers, which means Bronny must earn his place if he wants to stick with the franchise.
Lantz was spot on. Bronny is not an off-ball shooter. He must be aggressive when given opportunities and create plays. Whether he is scoring or finding his teammates, the 21-year-old is a dynamic and athletic player. Lakers fans want to see that James, and it starts with increasing the aggressiveness.
Stu Lantz is never afraid to share his opinion, and he gave a spot-on take about Bronny James. The Los Angeles Lakers want to win championships. Every roster spot matters, so James must start proving he belongs. That will only happen if he ratchets up his attacking and starts producing more. Fans love Bronny, so they hope it becomes reality. Stay tuned to find out.