Bronny James has made significant strides in the G League, showing improved confidence, shooting, and playmaking, but questions remain about his NBA readiness: "I don't think he's ready yet to be a backup point guard or anything like that," insider says.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James has struggled to make a name for himself in the NBA, but the son of LeBron is showing real improvement in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.
Over seven appearances, Bronny has averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 39.3% from three.
His growth, particularly in confidence and decision-making in pick-and-roll situations, has been noticeable, according to Raj Chipalu of ClutchPoints, who closely follows the Lakers' G League affiliate.
"He believes he's an on-ball guard, and I still have healthy concerns about that, especially at that size, but he's definitely taking a huge leap from where he was at that first game in terms of confidence," Chipalu said on Jovan Buha's podcast.
"It's a whole other level to watch a guy that was refusing to shoot to take a bunch of stepback threes now. Still, I don't think he's ready yet to be a backup point guard or anything like that."
The 6'3" Bronny has played limited minutes in the NBA, averaging just 1.4 points in 4.2 minutes per game over 18 appearances, making it difficult to evaluate his potential at the highest level.
"In the G-League, he's their best on ball guard, which is a huge step from where he was," the reporter said. "There were a lot of concerns about the 3-point shooting, but he's shooting around 40% from 3 now on nine attempts a game.
"These are not catch and shoot; they are stepbacks, through the legs, and crossback 3s. He's shooting when teams go under, which is a really good development for him."
Beyond shooting, his overall offensive game has expanded.
"His offense has hit a level that I didn't even really expect when the season started, but the playmaking has also jumped," Chipalu added. "He's a really good passer. His mid-range game has taken a step as well, as he's hitting floaters at a good rate.
"The offensive package is really starting to come, but again, being an NBA player at that height is such a bar that I'm still concerned he hits that bar in this or next year."
Defensively, Bronny is showing promise as well.
"He's a really strong point guard. He has the LeBron genes," Chipalu said. "He gets a lot of deflections as well, gets a bunch of steals, still gets beat off the dribble here and there, but he's been great. It's funny how the attention has really gone down as the production has gone up."
While his NBA future remains uncertain, the 20-year-old Bronny has made clear progress.
"Bronny has definitely taken a leap," Chipalu pointed out. "We'll see if that leads to actual play in the league, but for now, I think he's in a really good spot. ... He's in a whole different place than he was a few months ago."
Bronny went 55th overall in the NBA draft last summer.
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