This season, history was made when LeBron James’ son Bronny stepped foot on the court alongside his father in the Lakers’ jersey. Bronny’s NBA debut was a long time coming, making him and LeBron James the first father-son duo in the NBA. However, the 55th pick of the 2024 draft doesn’t seem as league-ready as one would expect of him in the NBA.
As much as the fans expect the father-son duo to deliver highlight reels of assists and alley-oops, the NBA is not a league meant for family reunions. In the six games he played in the pre-season, Bronny averaged just 4.2 points from 29.7% shooting. While other rookies spent the preseason proving their capabilities, Bronny failed to mount any such momentum.
According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, James Jr. will share time with the Los Angeles Lakers and their G-League affiliate team, the South Bay Lakers. After completing the Lakers’ five-game trip on November 6, Bronny is expected to debut for the South Bay Lakers in their G-League season opener against the Salt Lake City Stars.
On this year’s media day, LeBron James also said that he expected his son to split time between the NBA and the G-League to gain some much-needed exposure and experience. “Seeing him continue to grow as a basketball player, no matter if it’s here with us or down with the G-League team, and him continuing to get better and better,” said LeBron James.
“We want to hold him accountable. He’s going to hold us accountable, and if we all do that, we’ll all get better, because we’re all one team. We are a reflection of the South Bay. The South Bay is a reflection of us. … We’ll continue to grow, stacking days. I know he’s going to do that, because that’s just what he’s about,” the four-time NBA champion added.
This is quite an expected move from the Lakers, as most second-round picks spend time in the G-League and are on two-way contracts during their rookie season.
Fans are now anticipating the James father-son duo’s game in Cleveland, which will be held on Wednesday. LeBron James, an Ohio and Akron native, played 11 seasons for the Cavaliers, leading them to their maiden NBA championship in 2016. Bronny was also born in Akron in 2004, making it an exciting affair for the fans to look forward to for the upcoming week.
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