Bronny James makes Lakers debut, shows he can be a valuable NBA player

Everyone who watched Bronny James in his first professional basketball game on Saturday afternoon will notice that LeBron James’ son went 2 of 9 from the field. That’s the first thing anyone will see, and likely discuss, after his Los Angeles Lakers NBA debut in summertime action at the California Classic in San Francisco. However, if we look past the shooting numbers, Bronny showed why he can eventually stick on an NBA roster.

Yes, Bronny’s upcoming basketball season will be spent primarily in the G League. On that point, there is really no debate. Bronny needs time to develop his game, time he didn’t have due to suffering cardiac arrest last summer and then entering the draft relatively early instead of playing a second year of college basketball. Not one realistic NBA scout or executive would dispute the need for Bronny to play a lot of ball and work on his game. He’s going to make a home in the G League when the NBA season begins.

However, if we look at Saturday’s summer game against the Sacramento Kings, in which the Lakers lost 108-94, we can see what makes Bronny a potential NBA player. We emphasize “potential” because Bronny isn’t an NBA-level player right now.

Bronny collected a few rebounds and assists. He also made a steal and multiple deflected passes. He showed an understanding of spacing and geometry. He was usually in the right position on defense. He made some sharp passes to facilitate good ball movement. He does a lot of really good things off the ball, and that matters. The shooting, the offense, the natural skill — those are all limited, and Bronny will have to develop them to a certain degree. However, anyone who can defend, rebound, and pass can become a useful role player. Bronny James can do those things. As his body develops and his game comes along, he has a chance — we’re not saying a likelihood, only a chance — to become an NBA-quality player.

A chance, in the end, is all Bronny James can ask for.

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